Nurses of different generations are similar in work ethic

Little difference in dimensions of work ethic was found between Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials, in this study of registered nurses working at two very large hospitals.  There was some tendency for Baby Boomer nurses to have higher scores on measures related to not wasting time at work and staying busy.  Likewise, younger nurses were somewhat more likely to value leisure time and the value of working hard (working toward eventual success in life).  Strategies that nurse executives might use to target recruitment and retention efforts to the different generations are discussed, but the author concludes that “generational differences in work ethic are more fiction than fact.”

Source: Jobe, L.L.  Generational differences in work ethic among 3 generations of registered nurses.  JONA. The Journal of Nursing Administration;44(5):303-308, May 2014.  Click here for access to publisher’s website: http://journals.lww.com/jonajournal/Abstract/2014/05000/Generational_Differences_in_Work_Ethic_Among_3.12.aspx  Posted by AHA Resource Center (312) 422-2050, rc@aha.org