Nursing Moral Distress and Intent to Leave Employment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Complexity in nursing practice creates an intense and stressful environment that may lead to moral distress (MD) and registered nurses (RNs) seeking other employment. Local Problem: In 2020, the RN turnover rate was 8%, with postpandemic turnover projected to reach 13%. Methods: The Measure of Moral Distress for Health Care Professionals (MMD-HP) was used to measure the frequency and level of RNs' MD. Results: t tests showed significant differences for 16 of 27 MMD-HP items in RN intent to leave. RNs had 2.9 times the odds of intent to leave (P = .019) due to perceived issues with patient quality and safety and 9.1 times the odds of intent to leave (P < .001) due to perceived issues with the work environment. Results explained 40.3% of outcome variance. Conclusions: MD related to work environment or patient quality and safety were significant factors in RN intent to leave their position.

Automated summary

The complexity in nursing practice may result in moral distress and intention to leave among registered nurses. Perceived issues with patient quality and safety, as well as the work environment, were significant factors contributing to this intention.