Correlation between professional dignity and job-related factors with migration intention in nurses: a cross-sectional study

The migration of nurses can have negative consequences for the healthcare system in the country of origin and create challenges in the destination country. Identifying factors associated with migration intention of nurse’s is crucial for effective corrective planning in this field. In recent years, the professional dignity of nurses has been recognized as a key factor in shaping job satisfaction, a sense of worth, and the decision to stay in the profession or migrate. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between professional dignity and job-related factors with migration intention among nurses. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 nurses working in Iran. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Perceived Clinical Nurses’ Professional Dignity Scale, and the Migration Intention Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. As the data were not normally distributed, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for bivariate analyses. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with migration intention. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean scores of migration intention and professional dignity were 129.36 ± 28.04 and 64.27 ± 15.76, respectively, indicating moderate levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that lower organizational dignity (B = − 0.87, p < 0.001), low- and high-income satisfaction compared with very low satisfaction ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.002), respectively, and the presence of relatives abroad (B = 7.39, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher migration intention among nurses. Finally, those with higher professional experience have lower migration intention ( p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate a significant inverse association between nurses’ professional dignity and their migration intention. Notably, organizational dignity emerged as the strongest independent factor associated with migration intention, alongside income satisfaction and the presence of relatives abroad. These results underscore the importance of organizational and economic strategies aimed at strengthening professional dignity, particularly through supportive management. Higher income satisfaction was associated with lower migration intention, highlighting its potential relevance to workforce stability.