Predictors of nurses' turnover intention at one and five years' time

Aim This study examined the role of job dimensions, job satisfaction, psychological stress and job burnout in predicting turnover intention at one and five years' time among professional nurses in the Philippines. Methods A cross-sectional design was utilized in the study using a convenience sample of 549 registered nurses from six hospitals in the Central Philippines during the period of October 2018 to January 2019. Five self-report scales were used in this study. Results Overall, 46.1% (n = 253) and 78.9% (n = 433) of nurses reported planning to leave the organization at one and five years' time, respectively. The type of hospital, job satisfaction and job burnout explained variances for turnover intention at one and five years' time. Separately, hospital bed capacity and job stress predicted turnover intention at five years' time. None of the job dimensions accurately predicted turnover intention in nurses. Conclusion Higher turnover intention results at one and five years' time were dependent on nurses' psychological stress, job burnout and job satisfaction. Implications for nursing practice and policy Organizational measures aimed at reducing stress and burnout and increasing job satisfaction in nurses are critically important to enhance the retention of nurses and ensure continued quality of nursing care.