Aim: Research to identify possible interventions to introduce into the public healthcare system, to reduce nurse absenteeism rates. Background: Absenteeism in nursing has a significant and negative impact on the workforce and the healthcare system in its entirety. Absenteeism affects more than just the individual who is absent. It also negatively affects employees who remain at work, leaders, patients and organisations. This affect is not only noticeable from a financial perspective, but also impacts individuals
psychologically and physiologically. Despite the growing trend of nurse absenteeism, there is limited research on effective interventions to address the issue, and a lack of evaluation regarding the outcomes of these interventions. Results: Participants identified a variety of factors which contribute to absenteeism in the hospital setting. Factors identified included a combination of organisational challenges and personal reasons. Some main contributing factors included; impact of shift work and rotating rosters, staff to patient ratios, inadequate staffing levels and the pay structure. A notable concern was the inability to accrue sick leave and receive financial benefits for unused sick/personal leave. Discussion: Several interventions became evident as a result from this research. Including mandating a minimum of three days off following night duty to enhance recovery time and wellbeing, limiting the number of late/early shifts per roster, optimising
staff rostering by grouping similar shifts together and trialling a system where staff can bank in unused sick leave for financial reimbursement. Conclusion: Implementing targeted
interventions could significantly reduce absenteeism amongst nursing staff. In reducing staff being absent from the workplace, organisations would expect to see improved workforce
stability and improved patient satisfaction relating to care provision. Further study is required to investigate implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of these strategies and their
broader implications on the healthcare system.