Life-work balance and the effects on retention in the Navy Nurse Corps

Abstract

This study explores life-work balance in the Navy Nurse Corps (NC). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 636 survey responses showed that current satisfaction with life-work balance is low in the NC. The survey sample was closely representative of the NC across gender, rank, and sub-specialty code. Responses across all categories observed a tendency toward transactional, as opposed to transformational, leadership. Respondents' concerns most frequently included staffing, childcare, non-clinical duties, and promotion. Uniformity of responses offers strong support for widespread change throughout the NC. In the interest of retention continuity across rank and sub-specialty code key recommendations include exploring flexibility in self-scheduling, career path, and assignment length. Usable data and respondent opinions offer NC leadership insight into vital policy discussions related to increasing both job satisfaction and retention within the NC. This study provides the framework for larger discussions concerning the achievement of life-work balance across other designators in the United States Navy.