Effect of COVID-19 on Primary Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction and Their Turnover Intention in Singapore

Abstract

Background: Globally, COVID-19 has added pressure to the healthcare workforce, particularly nurses, who face an exacerbated shortage. Few studies have investigated job satisfaction and turnover intention among primary healthcare nurses in the long-drawn pandemic situation. Hence, this study aims to examine job satisfaction and retention among primary healthcare nurses.

Aims:  To assess the level of job satisfaction and identify factors that affect job satisfaction and turnover intentions among primary healthcare nurses. This will serve to inform organisations on ways to improve processes and support mechanisms that promote job satisfaction and retention for primary healthcare nurses.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted that involved 132 primary care nurses from seven healthcare centres in Western Singapore. Level of job satisfaction and turnover intentions was assessed using a 39-item questionnaire. Relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions were analysed using Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis.

Results: Among the five job satisfaction subscales, personal satisfaction had the highest score (M=3.73, SD=0.47), while satisfaction with workload had the lowest score (M=3.24, SD= 0.69). The overall job satisfaction mean score of 3.47 (SD=0.49), is considered within the moderate range and is similar-to other studies conducted during COVID-19 pandemic. Albeit the challenging period, more than half of the nurses reported their intention to stay in a primary healthcare setting.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the multifaceted nature of nurses’ job satisfaction and its intricate interplay with various factors, including personal accomplishment, workload, professional support, pay and prospects, training and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study provide insight for organisations to look at targeted factors to improve the rate of retention for primary care nurses.