Table 1 Some key areas for clinicians to consider to help keep nurses on the ICU

Recognition, respect, and value

Acknowledgment of important role; recognition of high levels of training, knowledge and skills, situational awareness and crisis management skills, and personal qualities and commitment/ dedication as individuals

Role and responsibility

Recognition of responsibilities in complex patient resuscitation and management, recognition of deterioration and patient safety events,involvement in complex decision-making

Intellectual stimulation and professional development

Encouragement, mentorship, and support in development of new knowledge, skills career opportunities and growth

Teaching opportunities

Encourage leadership role, mentor and support while creating teaching opportunities to other nurses, doctors…, at (inter)national meetings

Good leadership and management

Positive, constructive feedback to encourage development of new expertise, promote engagement and encourage in quality of care, patient safety and research

Team work/collaborative practice

Active involvement within team, participation in unit activities

Clinical discussion and exchange

Sharing, initiating education opportunities and formal/informal open discussions about pathophysiology of illnesses, patient care, and safety

Good work-life balance/wellness/rehumanizing the workplace

Explore, discuss acceptable working hours (part-time?), ensure supportive team structures to promote and allow safe workloads, adequate breaks and opportunities for self care

Psychological support

Normalize mental health impact of care, promote team debriefings and individual support, promote collegial support, promote access to professional support, access to wellness initiatives

Humane care

Promote recognition of the person in patient and family care, promote participation in end-of-life discussions and team collaboration to understand the uniqueness of each situation/its impact on all involved and implications on communication and how the end-of-life should be approached to convey respect for patients/families in decision-making on treatment goals and limits, and during withholding/withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment or palliative care