Factors influencing intention to continue employment in Japanese hospital nurses working at tertiary emergency medical facilities

Abstract

Objective: The study purpose was to investigate influencing factors related to nurses’ intention to continue employment in tertiary emergency medical facilities.

Methods: A self-report questionnaire survey was conducted, and responses were collected by mail. We investigated seven factors associated with the intention to remain employed that were determined by preliminary research. Data were analyzed using a covariance structure analysis.

Results: Of the 561 responses received, 461 were found to be valid for analysis. A model showing relationships among the five factors (organizational commitment, job stress, job satisfaction, nurse-physician collaboration, and intention to remain employed) was created. Organizational commitment and job stress were directly related to intention to continue employment, while, nurse-physician collaboration demonstrated effects on the entire model.

Conclusions: The strongest factor observed was organizational commitment. The types of institutions examined in the present study almost exclusively treat seriously ill patients. This may explain why nurse-physician collaboration affected the entire model. In a tertiary emergency facility, a nurse can more easily play a critical role in the healthcare process. In the future, it will be important to consider these factors when creating an organizational climate conducive to continued employment.