Predictors of actual turnover among nurses working in Korean hospitals: A nationwide longitudinal survey study

Aim To examine the factors affecting actual turnover among nurses working in hospitals using the Brewer–Kovner synthesis model. Background To increase retention of nurses, it is important to understand factors contributing to actual turnover among nurses. Methods A longitudinal study design was utilized with 2,633 of 20,613 eligible female hospital nurses who participated in Korea Nurses' Health Study. We created two age groups: a younger group (20–35 years) and an older group (36–49 years). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing turnover by age group. Results Pregnancy and childbirth increased young nurses' turnover. When we excluded intent to leave, depression and burnout were significant factors affecting young nurses' turnover. Salary and hospital size were factors predicting nurse turnover among nurses older than 36 years. Conclusions It is essential to develop prevention strategies of female nurse turnover based on the age group in Korea. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers and health care institutes need to develop new managerial and policy strategies to reduce nurse turnover in each age group.