Nurses' job satisfaction and intention to leave the intensive care unit

Nurse turnover increases the shortfall in coverage of different health services. Research studies have found high quitting intention rates related to low levels of job satisfaction among nurses in different areas, including Intensive Care Units (ICU). The aim of this study was to compare the level of job satisfaction of ICU nurses according to the population of critically ill patients they care for (paediatric vs. adult) and their intention to leave the ICU.

A cross-sectional descriptive study in which nurses from public ICUs on the island of Gran Canaria, two adult units and one paediatric unit, participated. An electronic questionnaire was sent out, which included questions on socio-demographic and occupational variables, the validated Font Roja job satisfaction survey and a final question on the participant's own intention to leave. Comparative analysis was performed using Chi-square for qualitative variables and Mann Whitney U for quantitative variables.

A total of 152 nurses were recruited, 55.9% of whom expressed their intention to leave the ICU. Although both types of units had a higher number of nurses who wanted to leave the ICU, there was a higher proportion in the paediatric ICU who had this intention in the short period of time (30.4% vs. 7.0%) (χ² = 11,691; p = .003). Job satisfaction was generally good (3.37/5), being lower among those who did intend to leave (3.97 vs 2.91; p < .001).

There is a high intention to leave among the professionals consulted. Paediatric ICU nurses had the highest intention to leave the ICU in the short term (<6 months). An inverse relationship was found between intention to leave and job satisfaction.