Career progression: the views of Queensland's nurses

The aim of this study is to inform policy through determination of the views of Queensland nurses on career progression by looking at the relationship between opportunity for career progression in nursing with turnover and retention. Results showed that satisfaction was not related to length of time in nursing, but did increase among nurses enrolled in further education programs. Dissatisfaction was related to four themes: lack of support to advance knowledge; lack of opportunities for promotion; number of career options; and costs associated with advancement. Results continued the trend seen in previous surveys over the last decade of a small but significant reduction in the perception that career prospects in nursing were limited. However, there is still room for improvement. Lack of career progression remains a concern for nurses; however this is not generally manifested in an intention to leave nursing. Rather, nurses are prepared to consider moves within nursing to further their careers