In 2025 retaining qualified, compassionate nurses is more important than ever. With ongoing workforce shortages and burnout on the rise, employers who prioritise nurse wellbeing and career satisfaction are more likely to build loyal, high-performing teams.
The healthcare and aged care sectors in New Zealand continue to face staffing shortages, especially in regional and residential care facilities. According to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), many nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout, unsafe workloads, and limited support.
So how can healthcare and aged care employers support and retain their nursing staff? Here’s what you need to know:
Prioritise Work-Life Balance
Nursing is emotionally, physically, and mentally demanding. Long shifts, night rosters, and high-pressure environments can quickly lead to burnout if not managed properly.
- Offer flexible scheduling options where possible.
- Limit excessive overtime and support adequate rest and meal breaks as required under the New Zealand Holidays Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Promote mental health days and encourage a culture that values rest and recovery.
Invest in Professional Development
Nurses want more than just a paycheque, they want to feel like they’re progressing and learning.
- Provide access to ongoing professional development, upskilling, and certification opportunities.
- Support career pathways into leadership, specialist roles or mentoring positions.
- Consider study support or paid training days as part of your benefits package.
Recognise and Appreciate Their Work
Nurses often work behind the scenes and under pressure. Simply acknowledging their efforts can make a huge difference.
- A little recognition goes a long way. Celebrate wins, big and small.
- Recognise outstanding service with rewards, shoutouts, or even handwritten notes.
- Encourage clinical leaders and facility managers to regularly check in and show appreciation.
Foster a Positive Work Culture
Nurses thrive in environments that are supportive, respectful, and inclusive.
- Address toxic behaviours or bullying early and consistently, following WorkSafe NZ guidelines.
- Encourage teamwork and open communication across shifts and departments.
- Provide safe spaces for feedback and involve nurses in decision-making when it impacts their work.
Support Mental Health and Wellbeing
Emotional strain is a common part of the job, especially in aged care and acute care settings.
- Offer access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) or counselling services.
- Introduce wellbeing initiatives like mindfulness sessions, on-site health checks, or coffee catchups.
- Host wellbeing workshops with guest speakers covering topics like stress management, resilience, and mindfulness
Get Staffing Right
Short-staffed shifts create stress for everyone and increase the risk of burnout and turnover. Getting your staffing mix right ensures better patient care and a better work environment for your nurses.
- Use temp or casual staff to cover gaps, especially during flu season, public holidays, and leave cover.
- Partner with a recruitment partner, like Lowie Recruitment, who understands healthcare staffing and can provide qualified nurses quickly and reliably.
- Plan for resignations, visa renewals, and holiday periods to reduce the need for last minute rostering.
Support International Nurses
New Zealand’s healthcare system relies heavily on internationally qualified nurses, who often face unique challenges during onboarding and settlement.
- Offer cultural awareness training for teams.
- Provide relocation support and mentoring during their first few months.
- Ensure these nurses feel valued and included, not just as workers but as members of your community.
Conclusion
Te Whatu Ora and the NZNO have made it clear New Zealand needs to retain the nurses we already have while attracting new talent. When you invest in your nursing staff, you build a stronger, more stable workforce that delivers better outcomes for your patients and your organisation.
Need help to support your nursing team? Lowie Recruitment works with healthcare providers across New Zealand to deliver flexible staffing solutions that ease pressure and improve retention. Get in touch today to find out how we can help