Herdís Sveinsdóttir1, Katrín Blöndal. 1. University of Iceland, Faculty of Nursing, Reykjavík, Iceland; Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Abstract
AIM: To explore surgical nurses' reported determinants of intention to leave a workplace. BACKGROUND: Nurses' work environment influences nurses' intent to leave the workplace. METHODS: A descriptive, quantitative study design using a structured questionnaire was used to measure the intention of all nurses (n = 383; 49% response rate) working at the surgical division at Landspítali-The National University Hospital of Iceland to leave a practice. RESULTS: Low general job satisfaction, followed by little praise from nurse managers and having to perform unprofessional work had the greatest influence on nurses' intention to leave a workplace. In addition, nurses who found their own knowledge respected, but were not pleased with the work were more likely to consider leaving. CONCLUSION: A lack of praise by unit managers, engagement in unprofessional work, low job satisfaction coupled with having ones' knowledge respected and a non-competitive work climate are factors contributing to nurses' intention to leave. Factors contributing to nurses' intention to leave may result in a lack of interest in work, low morale and may ultimately lead to unsafe patient care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Managers benefit from building and supporting a work morale that fosters nurses' intentions to stay in a professional work environment. This includes providing nurses with regular feedback about clinical work.
AIM: To explore surgical nurses' reported determinants of intention to leave a workplace. BACKGROUND: Nurses' work environment influences nurses' intent to leave the workplace. METHODS: A descriptive, quantitative study design using a structured questionnaire was used to measure the intention of all nurses (n = 383; 49% response rate) working at the surgical division at Landspítali-The National University Hospital of Iceland to leave a practice. RESULTS: Low general job satisfaction, followed by little praise from nurse managers and having to perform unprofessional work had the greatest influence on nurses' intention to leave a workplace. In addition, nurses who found their own knowledge respected, but were not pleased with the work were more likely to consider leaving. CONCLUSION: A lack of praise by unit managers, engagement in unprofessional work, low job satisfaction coupled with having ones' knowledge respected and a non-competitive work climate are factors contributing to nurses' intention to leave. Factors contributing to nurses' intention to leave may result in a lack of interest in work, low morale and may ultimately lead to unsafe patient care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Managers benefit from building and supporting a work morale that fosters nurses' intentions to stay in a professional work environment. This includes providing nurses with regular feedback about clinical work.
Authors: Marte A A Smits; Edwin J Boezeman; Karen Nieuwenhuijsen; Angela G E M de Boer; Els J M Nieveen van Dijkum; Anne M Eskes Journal: Scand J Caring Sci Date: 2021-09-10