Exploring the Perceptions of Private Sector Nursing Educators on Long-Term Retention in a Single Institution

A Qualitative Phenomenological Inquiry

Authors

  • Kiran Riaz Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3563-2398
  • Irfan Ali Soomro Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Kashaf Kali Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Irsa Abid Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Komal Ramzan Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2453-437X
  • Kazia Ishaq Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17041599

Abstract

Abstract Views: 481

This study aims to explore nurse educators' perceptions of their long-term commitment to teaching and the factors influencing their retention within a private nursing institution. Turnover among nurse educators has become a pressing concern globally, as it threatens the quality of nursing education, the stability of academic programs, and the future preparation of competent nurses. This issue is particularly critical in private institutions, where challenges in retaining experienced faculty are more pronounced. A qualitative research design was deployed. Eight nurse educators participated in two-hour, in-depth semi-structured interviews, which allowed for rich data collection. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, a method to capture participants' nuanced experiences and insights. The findings highlighted five central influences on retention: maintaining work–life balance, receiving effective leadership support, overall job satisfaction, cultural alignment within the institution, and opportunities for professional and career growth. These themes reflected the complex interplay of personal, organisational, and professional factors that shape educators' intentions to remain in or leave their positions. Based on these findings, the study recommends that institutions adopt sustainable retention strategies, including supportive leadership practices, flexible work arrangements, and transparent pathways for professional development to ensure workforce stability.

Keywords:

Career commitment, Faculty retention, Nurse educators, Private institutions, Workforce sustainability

Author Biographies

Kiran Riaz,

She is a Lecturer at the Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her Masters in Business Administration from Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Irfan Ali Soomro,

He is a Lecturer at the Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. He completed his M.Phil. in English literature from Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Kashaf Kali,

She is a Lecturer at the Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her Bachelors in nursing from Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.

Irsa Abid,

She is a Lecturer at the Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her Bachelors in nursing from Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.

Komal Ramzan,

She is a Lecturer at the Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her Bachelors in nursing from Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.

Kazia Ishaq,

She is a Lecturer at the Indus College of Nursing & Midwifery, Indus University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her Bachelors in nursing from Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-08-31

How to Cite

Riaz, K., Soomro, I. A., Kali, K., Abid, I., Ramzan, K., & Ishaq, K. (2025). Exploring the Perceptions of Private Sector Nursing Educators on Long-Term Retention in a Single Institution: A Qualitative Phenomenological Inquiry. Academy of Education and Social Sciences Review, 5(3), 431–441. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17041599

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