Long-term care: retention of nurses.

1. A growing nursing shortage and a growing population of older individuals with complex needs have created an unprecedented demand for qualified nurses in long-term care. 2. Nurse retention is associated with the status of salary benefits, paperwork, staffing, and supplies; the quality of relationships with residents, families, and peers; and the extent to which nurses feel autonomous and empowered with the authority to make nursing decisions regarding their patients. 3. Nurse researchers in both clinical and educational settings must place a high priority on developing methods of making long-term care a more attractive and satisfying practice setting.