Developing and Retaining Homecare Nurses Through Employer-Based Tuition Assistance Programs: A Mixed Methods Study

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study describes how an employer-based tuition-assistance program for homecare workers at one Canadian homecare organization enabled nursing career advancement and retention.

Design

A convergent parallel mixed-methods design.

Methods

We reviewed existing administrative data and concurrently conducted semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used on quantitative data and qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. A joint data display was developed to integrate findings from both quantitative and qualitative data together.

Findings

Tuition assistance reduced financial barriers to career advancement; 83% of recipients remained with their employer for at least 1-year post-studies but only 29% experienced career advancement. Psychosocial supports, career navigation and coaching to ease the licensing and role transition processes were identified as opportunities to support learners.

Conclusion

Employer-based tuition assistance programs are impactful in helping to develop skilled employees. Practical enhancements to further support career transitions may maximize retention to address urgent homecare staffing challenges.

Clinical Evidence

Employer-based tuition assistance can be a useful strategy to support nursing career growth and staff retention.

Disclosure statement

S Nizzer, NA Moreira, EC King, & SM McKay are researchers employed by the organization at which the research was conducted.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN); and MITACS Accelerate [IT30455].