Individual and Organisational Factors Influencing Turnover Intention Among Clinical Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundTurnover intention among nurses is a well-established predictor of actual turnover. Despite the critical nursing shortages during COVID-19, the relative contributions of individual and organisational factors to increased turnover intention remain insufficiently understood.Aims and ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the determinants of turnover intention among clinical nurses at both individual and organisational levels and to evaluate the independent effects of these factors in infectious situations.DesignThis study conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected in Hong Kong between April 2020 and September 2021.MethodsA convenience sample of 188 Chinese registered nurses in Hong Kong was recruited. The survey assessed questions on demographic, organisational and workplace violence-related characteristics, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory and the Anticipated Turnover Scale. Univariable and structured multi-phase linear regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors and to evaluate the influence of individual- and organisational-level factors. The study followed the STROBE checklist for reporting cross-sectional studies.ResultsThe regression model, incorporating individual- and organisational-level factors, explained 22.68% of the variance in turnover intention. Individual-level factors associated with increased turnover intention included younger age, high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms and low use of accommodation coping strategies. Organisational-level factors included exposure to workplace violence and insufficient support for reporting such incidents.ConclusionThis study underscores the significance of minimising workplace violence and enhancing workplace safety, in addition to addressing individual-level factors, to reduce nurses' turnover intention-particularly in the context of future pandemics and epidemics.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThese findings provide insights into the factors influencing clinical nurses' turnover intention, supporting the development and implementation of targeted clinical protocols and regulations to address modifiable factors and promote a sustainable nursing workforce.Patient and Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.