Competing in the “war for talent” in nursing homes: A quantitative investigation

Abstract\r\nPurpose: This study explores the characteristics of primary care organizations that are likely to attract and retain highly skilled\r\nprofessionals, meeting their expectations and increasing Person-Organization fit. Both “hard” dimensions (ownership) and\r\norganizational/managerial traits under the span of control of management are investigated. The objective is to raise awareness\r\non how to mitigate unpopular features of primary healthcare organizations so to effectively compete in the war for talent.\r\nMethods: This study has been carried out based on data extrapolated from a broader study conducted by the Italian National\r\nAgency for Regional Health Services and commissioned by the Italian Ministry of Health. Data deriving from Italian nursing\r\nhomes was extrapolated from the broader public dataset and multiple regressions were carried out to detect associations\r\nbetween managerial variables and staff seniority.\r\nFindings: Several significant associations were detected, suggesting that both physicians and nurses are affected by some\r\ninvestigated variables when deciding where to work and for how long. While some of these are common to the two categories\r\nof professionals (e.g., the presence of a nursing director), others are not (e.g., the presence of internal training programs).\r\nOriginal value: The implications of this study are related to the need of increasing awareness of managers of nursing homes on\r\nthose features that are likely to increase their attractiveness and long-lasting appeal to professionals. This is a paramount topic in\r\ntimes in which the war for talent is strong. A lack of attention on this field may lead to the inability to attract and retain staff in\r\nprimary care settings and, in turn, to implement strategic trends of change healthcare systems are facing in Italy and worldwide.