Leadership Implications Related to Bullying and Intent to Leave Among Licensed Practical Nurses

OBJECTIVE This study examines the relationship between bullying and intent to leave among a sample of LPNs as mediated by exhaustion, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. BACKGROUND Bullying incidents may negatively impact the well-being, commitment, and retention for LPNs. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 168 questionnaires (19.65% response rate) were analyzed, performing Pearson correlation, mediation, and hierarchical regression tests. RESULTS LPNs reported a relatively high score on exhaustion and were somewhat committed to their organization. They were fairly satisfied with the job and unlikely to leave it. The model explained 72% of the variance in intent to leave, with commitment, exhaustion, and bullying being the strongest correlates. CONCLUSIONS Nursing leadership needs to implement antibullying language in policies, institute communication and self-leadership trainings, model authentic leadership, and foster ethical climates to support the retention of LPNs.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of bullying, exhaustion, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment on the intention to leave among LPNs. Results showed that LPNs had relatively high levels of exhaustion and organizational commitment, and were unlikely to leave their jobs. The study suggests that nursing leadership should implement measures to support the retention of LPNs.