Factors Associated With Turnover Among Perioperative Nurses After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing perioperative nursing workforce shortages.
• Increased turnover among perioperative nurses poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems.
• Understanding factors influencing nurse turnover is critical for retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors associated with anticipated or actual turnover among perioperative nurses following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify key drivers of turnover in the perioperative nursing workforce.
• To inform strategies for improving perioperative nurse retention.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed.
• A convenience sample of 140 certified perioperative nurses completed the Anticipated Turnover Scale.
• A subset of 24 nurses participated in individual interviews.

Main Results:

• 49.3% of surveyed perioperative nurses (69 out of 140) indicated an intention to leave their positions.
• Qualitative data highlighted the critical need for organizational leader support to recruit and retain perioperative nurses.
• Key strategies suggested include knowledge transfer, mentorship, quality care maintenance, competency development, talent nurturing, and succession planning.

Conclusions:

• Organizational leadership support is essential for perioperative nurse recruitment and retention.
• Implementing targeted strategies such as mentorship and succession planning can mitigate turnover.
• Further research is needed to address perioperative nursing workforce challenges comprehensively.