Stabilizing and destabilizing forces in the nursing work environment: a qualitative study on turnover intention

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The nursing work environment significantly impacts nurse and patient outcomes.
• Previous research primarily used surveys; this study uses a phenomenological approach.
• Understanding nurses' perceptions is crucial for addressing workforce issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore frontline registered nurses' lived experiences in Hong Kong public hospitals.
• To understand the phenomenon of increasing nurse turnover.
• To identify factors contributing to nurses' intention to leave.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological approach using a modified Van Kaam's method.
• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 frontline nurses.
• Examined perceptions of workload, staffing, and professional values.

Main Results:

• Identified six key constituents of the nursing work environment: staffing, responsibility, management, co-worker relations, job, and incentives.
• Harmonious relationships, recognition, and professional development are crucial retaining factors.
• Unfavorable environments create destabilizing forces leading to turnover intention.

Conclusions:

• The nursing work environment is complex, with multiple influencing constituents.
• Attributes of the work environment significantly affect nurses' perceptions and turnover intentions.
• Addressing work environment factors is essential to mitigate nurse turnover.