Influence of caring for COVID-19 patients on nurse's turnover, work satisfaction and quality of care

Aim: This study aims to examine, through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources model, the influence of caring for COVID-19 patients on nurse's perception of chronic fatigue, quality of care, satisfaction at work and intention to leave their organisation and the profession. Background: Studies have examined how fear of COVID-19 contributes to the mental, physical and work adjustment among nurses. To date, few studies have been conducted examining how caring for patients with COVID-19 contributes to work outcomes among nurses. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving 1705 frontline nurses and licensed practical nurses in Quebec, Canada. From these, 782 reported caring for COVID-19 patients. Results: High chronic fatigue, poor quality of care, lower work satisfaction and higher intention to leave their organisation were found for nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. Poorly prepared and overwhelmed nurses showed higher turnover intention than those well prepared and in control. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to provide support to nurses during the pandemic, with a long-term strategy to increase their retention. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse administrators play an important role in supporting their nurses during a pandemic in the form of education, training and policy development to positively impact quality of care and retention.

Automated summary

The study found that nurses caring for COVID-19 patients were more likely to experience chronic fatigue, poor quality of care, lower work satisfaction, and higher intention to leave their organisation. Poorly prepared and overwhelmed nurses showed higher turnover intention compared to those well prepared and in control.