The effect of burnout and its dimensions on turnover intention among nurses: A meta-analytic review

The objective of this study is elaborating on the relationship between burnout and turnover intention.

Burnout and its dimensions have a significant effect on turnover intention.

Meta-analysis technique is used. Forty-four studies were brought together to form four data sets. These data sets were heterogeneous, and they did not include publication bias. The effect sizes of burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and professional efficacy on turnover intention among nurses were computed.

Random-effects model was used. The groups including two or more studies were added into moderator analysis.

The effect size of the relationship between professional efficacy and turnover intention was small, and the effect size of the other surveyed reationships was medium among both nurses and other health employees. The moderator analysis results suggested that the effect size of the relationship between professional efficacy and turnover intention among nurses is significantly different from the other health employees. Being a nurse was determined as a significant moderator for the relationship between professional inefficacy and turnover intention, and it weakened this relationship.

The findings of this study can be used by health managers as burnout and turnover intention are important to determine organizational policies.