Occupational Stress and Turnover Intention: Implications for Nursing Management

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to explore the status of occupational stress among hospital nurses in Isfahan, Iran. It also aimed to examine the relationship between nurses' occupational stress and their intention to leave the hospital. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional research design. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data from 296 nurses. Respondents were asked to rate the intensity of 30 common occupational stressors using a five-point scale. RESULTS: A third of hospital nurses rated their occupational stress high. The major sources of stress were inadequate pay, inequality at work, too much work, staff shortage, lack of promotion, job insecurity and lack of management support. More than 35% of nurses stated that they are considering leaving the hospital, if they could find another job opportunity. Occupational stress was positively associated with nurses' turnover intentions. CONCLUSION: Hospital managers should develop and apply appropriate policies and strategies to reduce occupational stress and consequently nurses' turnover intention.