Knowing Generation Y: A new generation of nurses in practice

Authors

Stephanie M. Chung Prof., Kean University
Virginia Fitzsimons Prof., Kean University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-13-2013

Abstract

Generation Y is commonly defined as those people born between 1980 and 2000, now aged in their 20s and 30s. Their grandparents experienced post-World War II reconstruction, their parents the economic boom of the 1980s. There are currently 81 million individuals in the Generation Y cohort in the USA, making it the second-largest, and possibly most influential, cohort since World War II (Manion, 2009). Members of Generation Y are diverse, technologically advanced and vocal about their opinions. They tend to resist traditional hierarchy, want recognition/reward for achievements and distrust institutions. Knowing these characteristics is useful for nurse managers, preceptors and team members working with members of Generation Y. Studies have proven that Generation Y is challenging the nursing workforce through rapid turnover (Cogin, 2012). This article explores a theoretical model that predicts retention and/or turnover of nurses in light of Generation Y behaviours and motivators-for example, moving from agency to agency rather than devoting many years to a single practice. Further research is needed to find out whether these behaviours and motivators are unique to Generation Y alone. © 2013 MA Healthcare Ltd.

Publication Title

British Journal of Nursing

First Page Number

1173

Last Page Number

1179

DOI

10.12968/bjon.2013.22.20.1173

Recommended Citation

Chung Prof., Stephanie M. and Fitzsimons Prof., Virginia, "Knowing Generation Y: A new generation of nurses in practice" (2013). Kean Publications. 2042.
https://digitalcommons.kean.edu/keanpublications/2042