Title: The effect of covid-19 on primary healthcare nurses’ job satisfaction and their turnover intention: A cross-sectional study in Singapore
Abstract:
Background: Globally, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put the healthcare workforce under pressure, particularly nurses, who face an exacerbated shortage that has become a worldwide concern. Relatively few studies have investigated job satisfaction and turnover intention among primary care nurses in the long-drawn pandemic situation. Therefore, it is important to explore factors that promote job satisfaction and retention among primary care nurses.
Aims: To assess the level of job satisfaction and identify factors that affect job satisfaction and turnover intentions among primary case nurses. The findings will inform healthcare leaders on refining and developing interventions to improve processes and support mechanisms that promote job satisfaction and retention among primary care nurses.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted. Primary care nurses (N=132) from seven National University Polyclinics in Western Singapore completed a 39-item questionnaire to assess the level of job satisfaction and turnover intention among primary care nurses, adapted from validated instruments used in previous literature. Descriptive and inferential statistics were deployed. Relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions were explored using Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis.
Results: The highest scored subscale on job satisfaction was Personal Satisfaction (m=3.47) while the lowest scored subscale was Satisfaction with Workload (m=3.21). Analysis also showed that there is a medium positive correlation between overall job satisfaction and intentions to stay. Higher levels of satisfaction with professional support, pay and prospects were associated with higher intention to stay.
Conclusion: Efforts to improve satisfaction with professional support, pay and prospects may contribute to strengthening the retention of primary care nurses in Singapore post pandemic.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Job satisfaction plays an important role as a key determinant of job performance and the intention of nurses to stay
- This study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of nurses’ job satisfaction and its intricate interplay with various factors, including personal accomplishment, workload, professional support, pay and prospects, training and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Longitudinal studies would validate and generalise this study findings to inform effective strategies that address job satisfaction and retention in the nursing profession
