Variables that predict nurses' job stress and intention to leave during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Turkey

Abstract Aim To investigate the variables predicting job stress and intention to leave the job among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Turkey. Design This research was designed as an analytical cross‐sectional study. Methods The population of the study consisted of 450 nurses working in a training and research hospital ( N = 450). The study sample consisted of 178 nurses who worked in that hospital between February and July 2021. The Nurse Information Form, Job Stress Scale, and Intention to Leave Scale were used as data collection tools. The independent‐sample t ‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were applied for univariate analysis while multiple regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results It was determined that the main factors predicting nurses’ job stress levels were their Intention to Leave Scale scores, level of organizational satisfaction. The main factors predicting intention to leave were their Job Stress Scale scores, working conditions, and job satisfaction. A positive moderate correlation was found between job stress and intention to leave. Conclusion This study demostares that among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the predictors of job stress were intention to leave and organizational satisfaction, while the predictors of turnover intention included job stress, working conditions, and job satisfaction. Hospital managers, especially nursing services managers, should develop strategies for extraordinary situations such as pandemics and evaluate the professional satisfaction of nurses while providing a healthy working environment. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contributions.