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Economic, neurobiological, and behavioral perspectives on building America's future workforce.

ABSTRACT: A growing proportion of the U.S. workforce will have been raised in disadvantaged environments that are associated with relatively high proportions of individuals with diminished cognitive and social skills. A cross-disciplinary examination of research in economics, developmental psychology, and neurobiology reveals a striking convergence on a set of common principles that account for the potent effects of early environment on the capacity for human skill development. Central to these principles are the findings that early experiences have a uniquely powerful influence on the development of cognitive and social skills and on brain architecture and neurochemistry, that both skill development and brain maturation are hierarchical processes in which higher level functions depend on, and build on, lower level functions, and that the capacity for change in the foundations of human skill development and neural circuitry is highest earlier in life and decreases over time. These findings lead to the conclusion that the most efficient strategy for strengthening the future workforce, both economically and neurobiologically, and improving its quality of life is to invest in the environments of disadvantaged children during the early childhood years.

SUBMITTER: Knudsen EI

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1502427 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Economic, neurobiological, and behavioral perspectives on building America's future workforce.

Knudsen Eric I EI Heckman James J JJ Cameron Judy L JL Shonkoff Jack P JP

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20060626 27

A growing proportion of the U.S. workforce will have been raised in disadvantaged environments that are associated with relatively high proportions of individuals with diminished cognitive and social skills. A cross-disciplinary examination of research in economics, developmental psychology, and neurobiology reveals a striking convergence on a set of common principles that account for the potent effects of early environment on the capacity for human skill development. Central to these principles ...[more]

PMID: 16801553

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Project description:AimTo compare newly graduated nurse retention and employment experiences across two distinct graduate nurse programs through periods of health care delivery stability and instability.BackgroundA global nursing workforce shortage, coupled with increasing demands on health services, requires a specific focus on building capability and improved retention of nurses. The graduate nurse cohort is a critical supply source that potentially can be harnessed if their needs are better understood.DesignA longitudinal (2015-2023) cross-sectional design was used to examine retention and experiences of newly graduated nurses from two ('traditional, unit-based' versus 'mobile') supported programs.MethodsRetention rates were obtained through analysis of employment databases. Descriptive data on impressions and experiences was collected at two time points via a short series of questions contained in a survey, from graduate nurses who remained in employment.ResultsRetention rates for graduate nurses were high (85%) during periods of stability, but even higher for the 'mobile' graduate nurse program. Both programs were adversely affected by instability however, the impact was substantial (around 50%) for the peak period of instability (2020) in the 'mobile' program. Survey data indicated that during the period of instability graduate nurses in traditional, unit-based programs had a more positive experience when compared with graduate nurses participating in the 'mobile' program; This contrasts with the period of stability, where graduate nurses in the 'mobile' program indicated more positive responses.DiscussionFindings re-emphasise the importance of supportive structures for newly graduated nurses as effective in retaining these staff. However, for the first time, evidence is provided that 'mobility', diversity, and difference can be viewed positively by graduate nurses. Furthermore, it provides improved understanding about mechanisms, support and boundaries, all interrelating factors, in 'stretching' capacity of graduate nurses.ConclusionLongitudinal analysis of graduate nurses, participating in two diverse programs, through periods of stability and instability offers insights into their challenges and outcomes. These insights can directly inform targeted strategies for inclusion in supported programs that lead to improved graduate nurse retention and contribute to building an agile nursing workforce.

Dataset Information

Economic, neurobiological, and behavioral perspectives on building America's future workforce.

Publications

Economic, neurobiological, and behavioral perspectives on building America's future workforce.

Similar Datasets

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