Necessity for Research on Work Engagement of Remote Island Public Health Nurses – Based on literature review findings for research on nursing profession work engagement and rural nursing profession turnover and retention –

Abstract

Purpose: The turnover of public health nurses working on remote islands is presumably related to job satisfaction and work environments. To assess the importance of applying the concept of work engagement （WE） for research to investigate factors influencing the turnover of remote island public health nurses（PHN）, we review domestic and international studies of PHN’ WE and trends in research investigating turnover and retention for rural nursing professionals. Methods: Using PubMed we sought and reviewed reports of WE research investigating public health nurses and Reports of turnover and retention of rural nursing professionals. Results: Reviewed Results indicate that turnover and retention of rural nursing professionals are related to personal and job resources. However, we found no report of a WE study investigating remote island PHN using the WE concept related to personal and job resources. Therefore, the actual WE of remote island PHN remains unclear. Conclusions: Clarification of the actual status of turnover among remote island PHN using the concept of WE as it relates to turnover and retention is likely to be effective as a study to obtain measures to prevent turnover among remote island PHN. Also, it can be said that this research will lead to protect the lives of island residents.