Perception of Nurses on Association between Healthy Workplace Environment and Nurse Retention at Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Low nurse retention is often attributed to unhealthy conditions within the workplace. A healthy workplace environment is a significant factor in retaining nurses within the workplace. This study assessed the perception of nurses on the association between healthy workplace environment and nurse retention at the Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A non-experimental descriptive survey method was used, sample size of 209 was determined using Cochran’s formula. A validated structured questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha reliability ranged from 0.685 to 0.988. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential chi-square for the hypotheses. Findings from this study revealed that 76(38.4%) of the respondents were within the age range of 25 to 35 years, 175 (88.4%) were female, 138 (69.7%) had first degree, 80 (40.4%) were below 5years as registered nurses and 123 (62.1%) had worked for below 5 years in Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta. Nurses perceptions were positive on nurse participation 110 (55.6%), staffing adequacy 141 (71.2%) with significant relationships between perception of nurses on nurse participation (p<0.039, χ2=4.275) and rate of nurse retention (89.8%); perception on staffing adequacy (p<0.000 χ2=12.712) and rate of nurse retention (89.8%). In conclusion, a healthy workplace environment is essential for retaining nurses. It is recommended that robust staff adequacy and participation of nurses in hospital affairs be enhanced by the institution's management to increase nurse retention. Keywords: Healthy Workplace Environment, Nurse Participation, Nurse Retention, Perception of Nurses, Staffing Adequacy