Accentuate the Positive in School Nursing: The Power of Affirmation

Abstract

Between recruitment and retention or resignation lie the often-slippery slopes of job comprehension, job performance, and job satisfaction. Job comprehension and performance are continuously addressed and evaluated, but job satisfaction is all too often assumed and undervalued. This article proposes that retention of school nurses may be significantly enhanced, particularly during times of critical nursing shortages, by the appropriate and timely use of affirmation for excellence, innovation, improvement, educational advancement, determination, and perseverance. More simply stated, affirmation is a form of applause for a job well done.