Generational Diversity in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities for Nursing Education

Abstract

The future of the nursing profession foresees challenges such as downsizing, changing skill mixes, and higher acuity patients (LeDuc & Kotzer, 2009; World Health Organization, 2013). Nursing students must be adequately prepared to handle such challenges by understanding their own values, the values of their colleagues, and the values of the collective nursing profession (Hahn, 2011; Hamlin & Gillespie, 2011; LeDuc & Kotzer, 2009). Yet, given the fact that nursing is now highly diversified by generational cohorts, each of whom have their own unique set of values and understanding, relating to fellow nurses and working collaboratively is more difficult than ever (Mangold, 2007). Recognizing generational differences as a potential barrier to quality nursing care and a cause of workplace conflict, educators in the profession have begun to tailor courses and teaching styles to meet the distinct needs of generationally diverse classes and work settings (Faithfull-Byrne, Thompson, Convey, Cross, & Moss, 2015; Hamlin & Gillespie, 2011; Mangold, 2007). To aide in this process, the professional development workshop proposed here will provide educators with an opportunity to learn more about generational diversity and offer strategies to maximize learning for all generations in the nursing field.