Decent work, work engagement, and turnover intention among registered nurses: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Research
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Resources Management in Healthcare

Background:

• Nurses globally face significant challenges impacting their work environment and rights.
• Decent work, encompassing freedom, fairness, safety, and dignity, is often inadequately protected for nurses.
• This study investigates the status of decent work among Chinese nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the factors influencing decent work perceptions among Chinese nurses.
• To analyze the relationship between decent work, work engagement, and turnover intention in nursing.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving nurses' working conditions and retention.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design adhering to STROBE guidelines was employed.
• 476 nurses from three tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou were surveyed using validated instruments.
• Data were collected on demographics, decent work perceptions (DWPS), work engagement (UEWS), and turnover intention, with bootstrapping for reliability.

Main Results:

• Nurses' perceptions of decent work positively correlated with work engagement (β = 0.603) and negatively with turnover intention (β = -0.275).
• Work engagement mediated the relationship between decent work and turnover intention, lowering the likelihood of nurses leaving (β = -0.062).
• Demographic factors including age, experience, professional title, job category, and conference attendance influenced decent work perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Decent work is a critical factor influencing nurses' engagement and retention.
• Recommendations include improving shift schedules and continuous education for young nurses.
• Policy adjustments are needed to enhance employment conditions and safeguard nurses' rights.