Factors Associated with New Nurse Turnover

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Nurse job persistence is critical for healthcare system functionality.
• First-year registered nurse (RN) turnover remains elevated despite the pandemic's acute phase.
• Understanding turnover drivers is essential for retaining early-career nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing first-year registered nurses' intention to leave their positions.
• To inform strategies for improving new nurse retention in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A multi-state survey was conducted among registered nurses (RNs) licensed in 2021.
• Survey assessed perceptions of patient safety culture, professional satisfaction, and grit.
• Examined the relationship between these factors and intention to leave within the first year of practice.

Main Results:

• 50% of surveyed new nurses left their initial position within the first year.
• Perceptions of patient safety culture were significantly correlated with turnover intention.
• Professional satisfaction and grit also showed significant correlations with intention to leave.

Conclusions:

• New nurse turnover is a significant issue, with half leaving within the first year.
• Patient safety perceptions, professional satisfaction, and grit are key predictors of turnover intention.
• Creating supportive environments is crucial for retaining nurses in their first year.