A Practical Framework For Building Engaged Nurses Beyond Residency

What keeps nurses engaged in their work, their teams, and their organizations? And why do some nurses leave despite successful onboarding and residency experiences? In this episode, Nicole welcomes Hannah Hayes, MPH, BSN, co-author of *Building Nurse Engagement & Retention: An Organizational Framework*, to explore how organizations can move beyond retention metrics and focus on creating the conditions that help nurses thrive. Together, they discuss a practical framework that identifies four key components of engagement: competency, safety, belonging, and esteem. They examine how organizational factors such as healthy work environments, supportive leadership, meaningful relationships, and professional development opportunities influence these components and contribute to a more engaged workforce. Nicole and Hannah also reflect on lessons learned through the development of the framework, why residency programs alone cannot solve retention challenges, and how leaders can take intentional, individualized approaches to supporting nurses throughout every stage of their careers. Whether you're a nurse leader, educator, preceptor, or frontline clinician, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating workplaces where nurses feel connected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best. **In this episode, you'll learn:** - Why engagement may be a stronger focus than retention alone - The four essential components of nurse engagement - How organizational "assets" help create the conditions for success - Why engagement requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach - Practical strategies leaders can use to support nurses beyond their first year of practice **Guest: Hannah Hayes, MPH, BSN** Hannah Hayes, MPH, BSN, is a nurse and public health professional with experience in community health and translating evidence into practice. She is the co-founder of the New to Public Health Residency Program, a workforce development program that is designed to support early-career public health professionals. She currently works for a Federally Qualified Health Center as a community health nurse and for a health non-profit as a research manager consultant. **Website:** https://debeaumont.org/programs/new-to-public-health/ **Articles and Publications:** https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1541461225000424 https://www.ovid.com/10.1097/PHH.0000000000001569 Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp  to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.