Intention to Leave the Profession in Nursing: A Hybrid Concept Analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• High rates of leaving the nursing profession present a global organizational challenge.
• Understanding nurses' perceptions of intention to leave the profession (ILP) is crucial for retention.
• Context-specific studies are needed to explore ILP comprehensively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a concept analysis of Intention to Leave the Profession (ILP) within nursing.
• To identify the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of ILP.
• To establish a clear, operational definition of ILP in the nursing context.

Main Methods:

• Employed a hybrid model for concept analysis, integrating theoretical and fieldwork phases.
• Conducted a systematic literature search across multiple databases (2000-2023).
• Performed semi-structured interviews with 20 nurses and nursing managers, analyzed via conventional content analysis.

Main Results:

• Defined ILP as a voluntary, gradual process stemming from professional disinterest, negative attitudes, and unmanaged stress.
• Identified consequences including reduced motivation, fatigue, and thoughts of leaving.
• ILP is influenced by diverse personal, professional, and organizational factors.

Conclusions:

• ILP is a complex phenomenon influenced by a wide array of antecedents across multiple domains.
• Significant consequences impact patients, nurses, and healthcare organizations.
• Nursing leaders must implement strategies targeting ILP antecedents to improve nurse retention.