Influence of work-related characteristics and work ability on changing employer or leaving the profession among nursing staff

J Nurs Manag. 2014 Nov;22(8):1065-75. doi: 10.1111/jonm.12066. Epub 2013 Aug 14.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate how work-related characteristics and work ability influence nursing staff decisions to change employer or leave the profession.

Background: Previous cross-sectional studies have indicated that decreased work ability and unfavourable work-related characteristics are important determinants for the intention to leave the profession among nursing staff.

Methods: A 1-year longitudinal study, using data from the European Nurses' Early Exit Study. The study population consisted of 9927 (66%) members of the eligible nursing staff of which 345 left their current employer. Work-related characteristics, work ability and employment status were assessed by questionnaires.

Results: Nursing staff with a low work ability were more likely to either change employer or leave the profession. Among nursing staff with a low work ability the risk of changing employer increased significantly with unfavourable work-related characteristics. However, among nursing staff with a good work ability the risk of changing employer barely changed with unfavourable work-related characteristics.

Conclusion: The negative effects of decreased work ability on changing employer and leaving the profession are partly counterbalanced by favourable psychological and physical work-related characteristics.

Implications for nursing management: Managers should implement strategies that focus on promoting the work ability of nursing staff in combination with improving work-related characteristics in order to prevent unnecessary changes of employment.

Keywords: longitudinal design; nursing staff; turnover; work ability index; work characteristics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Employment / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurses / psychology
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / supply & distribution
  • Personnel Turnover / trends*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires