Dr. Sumait Hospital proudly announces a new international publication addressing a critical healthcare challenge: why nurses leave the profession and how leadership can help retain them in resource-limited settings.
The publication, titled “When Nurses Leave Nursing: Leadership Priorities to Prevent Professional Exit in Somalia and Other Resource-Limited Settings: An Evidence-Informed Commentary,” was authored by Yusuf Mohamed Salad from the Department of Nursing, in collaboration with a team of co-authors. It was published in the Journal of Healthcare Leadership.
This research explores the growing concern of nurse attrition and provides practical, evidence-based leadership strategies to strengthen retention and workforce stability.
Key Highlights
The publication emphasizes several important factors contributing to nurses leaving the profession, including:
- Workplace challenges such as high workload and limited resources
- Lack of supportive leadership and professional development opportunities
- The impact of burnout and job dissatisfaction
- The need for structured mentorship and career growth pathways
- Strengthening organizational support systems for healthcare workers
Why It Matters
Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare system. In resource-limited settings like Somalia, losing skilled nursing professionals significantly affects service delivery and patient care.
This study highlights that improving nurse retention is not only about increasing numbers—but about creating supportive environments where healthcare workers feel valued, motivated, and empowered to continue serving their communities.
A Leadership-Focused Approach
The study proposes practical strategies to improve retention, including:
- Enhancing leadership capacity within healthcare institutions
- Promoting supportive and inclusive work environments
- Investing in continuous education and training programs
- Recognizing and rewarding healthcare professionals
- Building resilient systems that prioritize staff well-being
These approaches aim to strengthen the healthcare workforce and ensure sustainable, high-quality care.
About the Research Team
Author: Yusuf Mohamed Salad
Co-authors: Ali Farah Abdullahi, Fartun Abdullahi Hassan Orey, Abdullahi Abdirahman Omar, Abdullahi Hassan Elmi, Ismail Mahad Abdullahi
All authors are affiliated with SIMAD University and Dr. Sumait Hospital, contributing to advancing nursing research and healthcare development in Somalia.
Dr. Sumait Hospital remains committed to advancing research, strengthening academic excellence, and promoting evidence-based healthcare that improves patient outcomes across Somalia and beyond.