[Intention to leave the nursing profession due to mental health factors in Navarre (Spain) during the post.COVID-19 pandemic period].

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the intention to leave the current job or the nursing profession among nurses in the Foral Community of Navarre (Spain) during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2021-March 2022). The research also evaluated associations between this intention and nurses´ mental health status and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study that included nurses who worked in healthcare institutions in Navarre during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was designed using validated scales to assess depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and the intention to leave the job or profession. The questionnaire was distributed via e-mail to all registered nurses, and data collection concluded upon reaching the required sample size.

Results: Of the 693 nurses who participated, 691 completed the questionnaire in full. Overall, 43% of respondents reported an intention to leave the nursing profession, and of these, 52% also considered leaving the current job. Nurses experiencing higher levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress, as well as those with fewer years of professional experience, were significantly more likely to report an intention to leave.

Conclusions: A substantial proportion of nurses in Navarre considered leaving the profession during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with mental health -particularly anxiety and post-traumatic stress - and limited professional experience being the key contributing factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to support nurses´ mental health, improve working conditions, and mitigate job abandonment during and after public health emergencies.