[Exploring Significant Predictors of Retention Willingness in Nurses Diagnosed With COVID-19]

COVID-19 affected both the physical and mental health of frontline nurses and the stability of the nursing workforce.

This study was designed to explore the influence of demographic variables, physical and mental health status, perceived work stress, and job satisfaction on intention to continue working as nurses among nursing staff who had been infected by COVID-19.

In this cross-sectional study, an internal online survey was used to collect data from 152 nurses at a hospital in southern Taiwan. The questionnaires in the survey included the Chinese Health Survey Scale, Stress Scale on COVID-19 Patient Care, McCloskey/ Mueller Satisfaction Scale, and Employee Retention Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS/Windows 22.0.

The most significant predictors identified included age, seniority, level of education, job satisfaction, physical and mental wellbeing, and work stress. These predictors collectively explained 32% of the total variance in retention willingness (F [18,128] = 4.78, p < .001). Almost half (46.7%; 71/152) of the participants expressed intent to continue working in nursing. Being a senior staff and having a master's degree or higher were positively associated with retention.

The findings may be referenced by healthcare organizations and managers to help healthcare staff gain strength and resilience against future pandemics. Key recommendations include reducing staff work stress, increasing job satisfaction, and facilitating a more equitable life-work balance.