Why New Nurses of Gen Z in China Are Leaving the Hospitals Within the First Year: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Understanding why new nurses quit is vital for hospitals to retain talent. New nurses of Gen Z in China, who have grown up in an era of rapid development, may face unique challenges that lead to their departure, differing from their predecessors. However, research on the turnover causes of new nurses of Gen Z in the context of China’s new era is limited.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the reasons why new nurses of Gen Z in China leave from hospitals.

Design: A descriptive phenomenological study.

Methods: From October 2023 to October 2024, semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 new nurses of Gen Z in China. All participants voluntarily resigned from their hospitals in less than a year of employment. The data were analyzed using the Nvivo 11.0 software, employing the Colaizzi method to extract themes.

Results: Four themes were identified: unalleviated physical and mental stress (conflict between high expectations and slow adaptation, heavy workload, lack of team support, sense of disparity and role transition, and blow from negative events/nursing errors), development planning and personal pursuit (temporary choice for hospital employment, low professional identity, and “for myself”), the power of social support (influence of parents and the role of peer), and new opportunities.

Conclusion: The turnover of China’s new nurses of Gen Z is the result of a combination of multiple factors, which collectively prompts them to leave their hospitals and even the nursing profession. Among these factors, the fundamental reason for their resignation is the lack of fulfillment of their needs.

Implications for Nursing Management: It is crucial to create a positive work environment conducive to the growth of new nurses, while paying attention to their needs and formulating retention strategies tailored to the characteristics of Gen Z.