Relationship between intention to leave with job satisfaction and burnout of nurses in Iraq: A cross-sectional correlational study

Evidence shows that the intention to leave negatively impacts nurses, patients, and health care systems. This study investigated the relationship between intention to leave, job satisfaction, and nurses’ burnout in Basra, Iraq.

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in three teaching hospitals in Basra from 2022-2023. The sample consisted of 238 nurses selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected using a demographic information form, intention to leave scale, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Copenhagen Burnout Questionnaire (CBI), and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data was entered into SPSS 20 for analysis.

The mean scores for intention to leave, job satisfaction (MSQ), and burnout were 9.69 ± 4.50, 70.93 ± 13.74 and 64.14 ± 19.06, respectively. Job satisfaction had a negative coefficient of 0.021 on “intention to leave” (P < 0.001). Higher levels of burnout with a coefficient of -0.028 were associated with an increased intention to leave (P < 0.001).

The nurses in the study expressed an intention to leave, and this issue was related to job satisfaction and burnout. Hospitals can enhance the overall quality of care by prioritizing job satisfaction, preventing burnout, and implementing strategies to retain nurses. Health policymakers should consider these factors in decision-making processes and take necessary measures to improve and promote them.