Predictors of intention to leave the nursing profession in two Italian hospitals

Abstract

Nursing shortage is acknowledged as worldwide issue: understanding the factors that foster nurses' intention to leave the profession (ITL) is therefore essential in lessening its impact. The present study aims at providing insight into the factors influencing nurses' ITL, taking into account personal characteristics, context characteristics and job satisfaction factors. The study was conducted in two hospitals of Northern Italy, by a questionnaire administered to all nurses employed; 746 questionnaires were distributed, of which 525 (70.4%) were returned completed. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: personal characteristics, context characteristics, job satisfaction (44 items of Italian adaptation of Stamps' Index of Work Satisfaction), and ITL (single-item). Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression model were carried using Pasw18. A higher job satisfaction was registered for Interaction with nurses, Professional status, and Autonomy; on the other hand, a perception of dissatisfaction was registered for Pay and Job requirements; 14.6% of respondents reported ITL. Finally, a low job satisfaction for Professional status, Pay, and Work organization policies, age < 30 years, and part-time schedule are associated to higher ITL. The study allowed to identify various predictors of ITL, enhancing the importance of regular monitoring of ITL. To limit ITL, organizations should: invest on some job satisfaction factors, promote organizational integration of newcomers, and prevent the escalation of work-family and work-life conflict.