Peter Buerhaus and several others have projected a nursing shortage between now and 2020, when many baby boomers retire.1  The Bureau of Labor also projects a 19% increase in the need for nurses by 2022.2  Nursing programs are growing, but there will still be a shortage of nurses, and it is important to retain experienced nurses in the workplace to assist in training the new graduates. Retaining experienced nurses requires leaders to develop programs that support a healthy work environment (HWE)—a vital component for retaining these experienced nurses.

Nurses encounter challenges on a daily basis, and they look to their leaders and organizations to have policies in place to assist in addressing these issues. Nurses need to know that they are valued partners with organizations committed to programs that support them physically and emotionally. Many general issues must be confronted in ensuring a HWE, such as improvements in...

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