Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors related to the intention of nurses to continue working at maternity centers.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were mailed to maternity centers. The prospective sample consisted of 1,632 nursing staff & midwives, nurses, and practical nurses — who handle childbirth at 136 maternity centers. The collected data concerned intention to continue, job satisfaction, and employment, and was examined for its relation to intention to stay. Dates were statistically analyzed.
Results
Completed questionnaires were returned by 1,037 (63.5%) nursing staff (334 midwives, 282 nurses, and 421 practical nurses) at 122 maternity centers. Among the nursing staff, a high percentage of nurses, 83.0%, intend to continue. Job satisfaction scores for nurses who intend to stay were significantly higher than those for nurses without intention to stay. Intention to stay and satisfaction with "balancing work with life" were statistically significant for each type of nursing staff, with odds ratios of 2.2 to 2.7. Intention to stay and satisfaction with "respect for the nursing job" were statistically significant with odds ratios of 4.5 for midwives and 3.8 for practical nurses. Three elements comprised this factor: the nurse-physician relationship, respect for nurses' opinions, and support from nursing administrators. The intention to continue, "multiple midwives in employ," and satisfaction with "work significance" also were statistically significant for all nursing staff.
Conclusion
The factors related to the intention of nurses to continue working at maternity centers were workplace satisfaction, "balancing work with life," "respect for the nursing job," "work significance," and employment of "multiple midwives." For midwives, "respect for the nursing job" was particularly important.
