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Words and actions: a study in nurse wastage
K Soothill1, J Barry, C Williams
1Department of Applied Social Science, Lancaster University, U.K.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Nurses generally acted on their stated intentions to leave their jobs. Stronger intentions to leave resulted in actual departures, while weaker intentions did not significantly impact workforce changes.
Area of Science:
- Social Science Research
- Nursing Workforce Studies
Background:
- Understanding the relationship between stated intentions and actual behavior is crucial in social science.
- The nursing profession faces challenges related to workforce retention and turnover.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if nurses' stated intentions to leave their jobs translate into actual departure.
- To explore the factors influencing nurses' decisions to act on or disregard their leaving intentions.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal examination of nurses' stated leaving intentions and subsequent actions.
- Qualitative interview study to understand the reasons behind nurses' decisions regarding leaving.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between definite intentions to leave and actual job departures.
- Less strong leaving intentions did not lead to significant practical changes in employment status.
- Interviews revealed specific reasons why nurses followed through or did not follow through on their stated intentions.
Conclusions:
- Nurses' stated intentions are largely indicative of their future actions, particularly strong intentions.
- Findings have implications for health authorities in workforce planning and retention strategies.
- The study underscores the importance of accurately measuring and understanding workforce intentions.