Impact of WeChat-based 'three good things' on turnover intention and coping style in burnout nurses

Abstract

Background: Few studies have considered functions of nurses' positive personality and behaviours on addressing their turnover intention.

Aims: To explore the effects of WeChat-based 'three good things' (3GT) on burnout nurses' turnover intention and coping styles.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial. 73 nurses were included in the intervention group (n = 33) and the control group (n = 40). The intervention group received WeChat-based 3GT. Turnover intention and coping style were measured before and after the intervention.

Results: WeChat-based 3GT effectively reduced turnover intention and negative coping style (each p < .05). Positive coping style was promoted after the intervention (p < .05). Time effects as well as intervention and time interactions were significant in turnover intention and negative coping style (each p < .05).

Conclusion: Benefits of WeChat-based 3GT on turnover intention and coping style in burnout nurses were found. Nurses experienced lower levels of turnover intention and negative coping style and increased the usage of positive coping style after the intervention.

Implications for nursing management: Nurse managers should incorporate 3GT intervention with popular social communication programmes to improve nurses' coping strategies towards clinical issues and maintain the stability of nursing teams.

Keywords: burnout; coping style; nurse; three good things; turnover intention.