Factors contributing to nurses' intent to leave during COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic intensified burnout and turnover intentions among acute care nurses.
• Limited understanding exists regarding demographic factors influencing nurses' decisions to leave their positions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics (gender, race, age, experience), burnout, and nurses' intent to leave during the initial COVID-19 wave.
• To identify specific demographic groups at higher risk for job dissatisfaction and departure.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 2760 actively licensed registered nurses providing direct patient care in New Jersey hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Statistical analysis examined associations between burnout, demographic variables, and intent to leave within one year.

Main Results:

• Nurses experiencing burnout were 4.78 times more likely to intend to leave their jobs.
• Black registered nurses (RNs) were 2.06 times more likely to intend to leave compared to White RNs.
• Older nurses (40-49) and those with 30+ years of experience showed lower intent to leave, while Black RNs with 6-12 years of experience had higher intent to leave than White RNs with <5 years.

Conclusions:

• Burnout, race, age, and years of experience are significant predictors of nurses' intent to leave.
• Findings underscore the disproportionate likelihood of Black nurses intending to leave, emphasizing the need for targeted retention strategies.
• Healthcare organizations must prioritize burnout reduction and foster diverse, inclusive work environments to address nurse turnover.