Knowing Generation Y: a new generation of nurses in practice

Br J Nurs. 2013 Nov;22(20):1173-9. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2013.22.20.1173.

Abstract

Generation Y is commonly defined as those people born between 1980 and 2000, now aged in their 20s and 30s. Their grandparents experienced post-World War II reconstruction, their parents the economic boom of the 1980s. There are currently 81 million individuals in the Generation Y cohort in the USA, making it the second-largest, and possibly most influential, cohort since World War II (Manion, 2009). Members of Generation Y are diverse, technologically advanced and vocal about their opinions. They tend to resist traditional hierarchy, want recognition/reward for achievements and distrust institutions. Knowing these characteristics is useful for nurse managers, preceptors and team members working with members of Generation Y. Studies have proven that Generation Y is challenging the nursing workforce through rapid turnover (Cogin, 2012). This article explores a theoretical model that predicts retention and/or turnover of nurses in light of Generation Y behaviours and motivators-for example, moving from agency to agency rather than devoting many years to a single practice. Further research is needed to find out whether these behaviours and motivators are unique to Generation Y alone.

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations*
  • Nursing Staff*
  • United Kingdom