INTRODUCTION: High nurse turnover at hospitals is a major societal problem. Knowledge of how to decrease the turnover rate is important. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' perception of nurse turnover and retention.

METHODS: An explorative study was designed with table-top simulations involving newly graduated nurses, experienced nurses and nurse supervisors in internal medicine departments. The simulations were audio-recorded and transcribed. The participants took notes, which were transcribed. The citations were sorted into subthemes and themes by use of inductive content analysis.

RESULTS: Fifteen workshops involving a total of 43 nurses were conducted. Four overarching themes were identified: core clinical competence, professionalism, organisation and culture. The new nurses focused on development and evaluation of core clinical competences to be able to provide safe patient care. The experienced nurses favoured influence on own work and a plan for continuous professional development. The importance of a good learning culture and of collegial and social factors was mentioned by both groups of nurses.

CONCLUSIONS: The table-top simulations with newly graduated nurses, senior nurses and nurses responsible for education provided valuable insights into the nurses´ perspectives of determinants of nurse turnover and retention in internal medicine wards.

FUNDING: None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.