Mediating effect of job performance between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among hospital nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A path analysis

Abstract

BackgroundNursing shortages are a persistent and concerning problem for the nursing workforce worldwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional stressors and workloads and has worsened nursing shortages. AimTo investigate interrelationships among emotional intelligence, job performance, and turnover intentions of nurses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and explore the mediating effect of job performance between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted. In total, 673 nurses working in a medical centre hospital in northern Taiwan were recruited from November 2020 to April 2021. An anonymous questionnaire was used in this survey. Data were collected using a seven-item turnover intention scale, a 16-item emotional intelligence scale, a 24-item job performance scale, and demographic questions. A path analysis was performed. This study was based on STROBE guidelines. FindingsStatistically significant correlations between turnover intentions and emotional intelligence (r = −0.10, p = 0.012), between turnover intentions and job performance (r = −0.13, p = 0.002), and between emotional intelligence and job performance (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) were detected. Model fit indices were adequate. Job performance had a significant indirect effect between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions (β = −0.16, p = 0.011). DiscussionIt was found that job performance was a mediator between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions during the pandemic. The study results support the need to continue to create healthy work environments. ConclusionThese results can assist hospitals in developing specific evidence-based interventions such as showing appreciation and providing acknowledgments to reduce turnover of their nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.