Temporal trends in quality of work life, burnout, resilience, and turnover intention among newly employed nurses

Abstract

Aims

As the global nursing shortage continues to worsen, the influence of newly employed nurses' attributes on nurse retention requires attention. This study examined quality of work life (QWL), resilience, and burnout on the turnover intention of new nurses during their first six months of employment.

Methods

A longitudinal study recruited newly employed nurses providing direct patient care in six hospitals across Taiwan. Validated instruments related to QWL, burnout, resilience, and turnover intention collected data at the first, third, and sixth month of employment. Sample characteristics were summarized with descriptive statistics. Longitudinal data was analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine the relationships among the variables and turnover intention.

Results

Newly employed nurses (n = 615) reported moderately high QWL, low resilience, and moderate burnout. Turnover intention increased significantly over six months. Male, older, and unmarried nurses reported greater turnover intention, while high QWL and resilience reduced turnover risk. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, two factors contributing to burnout, strongly predicted greater turnover intention.

Conclusion

Turnover intention among new nurses increases in the first six months of employment, influenced by individual and workplace factors. Targeted early interventions to enhance QWL, reduce burnout, and build resilience are critical for improving retention rates among newly employed nurses.