The Effect of New Nurse’s Reality Shock, Workplace Bullying, and Positive Psychological Capital on Turnover Intention

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of reality shock, workplace bullying, positive psychological capital, and turnover intention for new nurses, and to find out the effects of these factors on turnover intention. Methods : The study included 159 new nurses working at five general or high-level general hospitals in three locations. The survey was conducted from January 13 to February 7, 2021. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN25.0 program. Results : The mean score for turnover intention was 3.42±0.75. The turnover intention was correlated with reality shock (r＝0.28, p＜.001) and workplace bullying (r＝0.45, p ＜.001). The variables affecting turnover intention were the general ward (β＝0.25, p＝.049), nurse career spanning ≥ 6 months (β＝0.16, p＝.031), lack of experience in clinical practice at workplace institutions (β＝ 0.16, p＝.026), and high workplace bullying (β＝0.36, p＜.001). The total amount of explanation for turnover intention was 25%. Conclusion : In order to reduce the turnover intention of newly graduated nurses, hospitals should implement systematic personnel management programs and actively participate in student internships. Additionally, at the government level, effective policies should be introduced to decrease excessive workload among nurses as a measure to reduce workplace bullying among new nurses.