The relationship between paediatric nurses' quality of life and intent to leave: The moderating role of hospital type.

Abstract

BackgroundDifferent types of hospitals exist in Jordan, and each type has its own leadership style. This might affect the nursing workforce in terms of quality of life and intent to leave.AimThis study aimed at (1) assessing the relationship between paediatric nurses' quality of life and intent to leave, (2) examining the moderating effect of the hospital type on this relationship, (3) comparing the quality of life of paediatric nurses working at ministry of health and the University‐Affiliated hospitals and (4) exploring the determinants of nurses' intent to leave.DesignA cross‐sectional, comparative and correlational design was used in this study.MethodsA multi‐site sample was selected from two types of hospitals in Jordan; the ministry of health and the University‐Affiliated hospitals. A sample of 225 paediatric nurses responded to the brief quality of life questionnaire by the World Health Organization in addition to a group of sociodemographic and work‐related questions.Results and conclusionNurses' quality of life and intent to leave were negatively correlated. This correlation was moderated by the type of hospital. Nurses' quality of life was significantly different in the two types of hospitals. Both salary and nursing care model predicted paediatric nurses' intent to leave. The managerial style and work environment of the ministry of health hospitals should be benchmarked against the University‐Affiliated hospitals.