Nursing shortage in the public healthcare system: an exploratory study of Hong Kong

Concern has been expressed globally about nursing staff turnover and shortage. Due to the worldwide ageing population, concern for nursing shortage is further growing. Literature suggests various reasons for and consequences of nursing shortage. This study consists of two main parts. Firstly, a systematic literature search and review is employed to explore the key determinants of the nursing shortage, particularly in terms of job dissatisfaction, in the public healthcare system. Secondly, an exploratory survey study is conducted to investigate the correlation between various job dissatisfaction factors and the intention of nursing staff to leave the Hong Kong public healthcare system.