Professional Practice Registered Nurses’ Perceptions of Health and Safety Related to Their Intention to Leave
AAOHN Journal Vol. 58   No. 3   March 2010
Mary Val Palumbo, DNP, APRN, GNP-BC; Betty Rambur, PhD, RN; Barbara McIntosh, PhD, SPHR and Shelly Naud, PhD
ABSTRACT This study examined perceptions of general and emotional health among a statewide sample of nurses, and their assessment of employers’ workplace health and safety initiatives. These variables and demographic data were then used to model predictors of intention to leave their work positions. A survey was mailed to all registered nurses in one state. Fifty-three percent responded (n = 3,955). Findings suggested marked differences in perception of emotional health by age, with younger nurses reporting less positive perceptions of their emotional health. Perceptions of employers’ safety and health initiatives varied by age, setting, and work role. Predictors of intention to leave included lower perceived emotional health among younger nurses and employer safety initiatives for both age groups. This exploratory study suggests a relationship among employer health and safety practices, nurses’ emotional health, and intention to leave. Implications for occupational health nurses are detailed. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr. Palumbo is Director/Associate Professor, Office of Nursing Workforce; Dr. Rambur is Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences; Dr. McIntosh is Professor, School of Business Administration; and Dr. Naud is Biostatistician, Department of Bioinformatics, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington. The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. doi:10.3928/08910162-20100216-01