Perspectives on workplaces choices among physicians and nurses in peripheral hospitals

The shortage of healthcare professionals and the need for committed hospital workers is a global challenge, particularly in peripheral and rural areas, where workforce distribution disparities lead to unequal access to care. Various factors influence healthcare workers' choice of workplace, including external factors (residency location, economic incentives, family needs) and internal motivations such as sense of duty, perception of accomplishment, sense of belonging, social cohesiveness, professional and academic aspirations, and perceived opportunities. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to describe patterns of workplace considerations among physicians and nurses in two peripheral hospitals and to explore differences by profession and hospital context.

During January-February 2023 a survey was conducted in two public hospitals in southern country district, comprising 42 questions across five domains: career opportunities, initial incentives, personal/family-based considerations, values, and demographics.

Major incentives for workplace choices in peripheral hospitals include a sense of mission, professional enthusiasm and organizational values. Physicians prioritized unique specialties and academic engagement, while nurses emphasized professional teamwork and a sense of duty. Workers from the larger hospital scored accomplishment and prestige as significant influential factors.

Choices of peripheral hospital workplaces are shaped by personal and professional factors, including a sense of mission, self-empowerment, governmental economic incentives and lifestyle considerations. These domains shape workplace preferences among workers in two peripheral hospitals, by professional, organizational and personal factors. These findings improve insight, generate hypotheses and inform locally tailored workforce policies, and may further contribute to national strategy.