References
Analysis of generational traits and intergenerational dynamics in the nursing workforce in Italy
Abstract
Background:
Italy's ageing healthcare workforce has led to a demographic imbalance where older nurses (aged 50 years and above) outnumber younger colleagues (aged under 35 years). This has created challenges in intergenerational teamwork and knowledge transfer.
Aim:
To understand how generational differences influence nursing practice, specifically regarding fostering collaboration and improving patient care.
Methods:
This quantitative study surveyed 889 Italian nurses using a self-reported questionnaire, the Multidimensional Nursing Generations Questionnaire (MNGQ). The study analysed generational differences across key dimensions, including adaptability, intergenerational conflict, patient safety perspectives and teamwork.
Findings:
The analysis identified significant generational differences. Younger nurses (Generation Y and Generation Z) reported higher levels of conflict compared to Baby Boomers and Generation X. Younger generations perceived themselves as more adaptable than older colleagues. Baby Boomers and Generation X scored higher than Generation Y (P=0.038) and Generation Z (P=0.027) on patient safety perspectives. Younger nurses reported more complex interactions with colleagues, reflected in higher scores. No statistically significant differences were observed across generations regarding how they worked in a team. Younger generations showed a higher inclination for work engagement compared to Baby Boomers.
Conclusions:
Generational differences among Italian nurses influence perceptions of key aspects of nursing practice, particularly adaptability, patient safety and intergenerational dynamics. These findings emphasise the importance of fostering collaboration through mentoring and knowledge sharing to bridge generational gaps. Promoting multigenerational teamwork can enhance patient care quality and support workforce cohesion in an ageing healthcare system.
In Italy, recent increases in the retirement age have led to a larger proportion of employees, particularly within the healthcare sector, remaining in the workforce well into older age. One of the consequences of Italy's ageing population is the increase in the number of nurses with an average age of 50 years, who possess a wealth of accumulated experience within the healthcare workforce (Ministero della Salute, 2021). This trend is particularly pronounced among nurses, where members of Generation X and Millennials – despite having a been employed in the health service for an average of 19 years – are significantly outnumbered by older colleagues from the Baby Boomer generation.
This demographic imbalance may create a unique set of challenges for healthcare institutions. First, it can complicate the process of effective knowledge transfer as older nurses approach retirement, potentially leading to valuable clinical expertise and insights not being transmitted to the younger generation. Second, collaboration within healthcare teams can be impacted by differing generational perspectives on work practices, communication styles, knowledge and the use of technology, which can vary widely across age groups. Ensuring that multigenerational teams work cohesively requires targeted strategies to bridge these differences, promoting a collaborative culture that values the contributions of each generation. Addressing these challenges is crucial to maintaining the quality and continuity of patient care in an increasingly strained healthcare system.
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