Exploring the factors contributing nurses turnover in Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : Objective of this study was to explore the factors contributing nurses turnover in Indhira Ghandhi Memmorial Hospital METHOD : The design selected for research was descriptive qualitative study. Sampling method chosen for the study was purposive convenient sampling method. Population of the study was Maldivian registered nurses who have resigned from IGMH last five years. This study was carried out in Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital Male, Maldives. Total numbers of seven nurses were included in the study. Data collection method was face to face interview. Semi structured interview guide was used to collect data. All the interviews were audio taped and field notes were made during the interview. The length of interviews varied from 10 to 20 minutes. Participants who has given interview in Dhivehi language was translated to English with the help of translator. Data in this study was analyzed by using Collaizi’s (1978) method. RESULT : From the analysis of this study five themes were identified. They are lack of opportunities for job advancement and career development, in adequate support from practice environment, Low pay and compensation practices, Heavy workload and unconventional working hours and difficulty in balancing family and work life. CONCLUSION: Findings from the research revealed that there are many factors that contribute nurses turnover. It was identified that salary and allowances are unsatisfactory, training and development opportunities are not adequate, workload is too high and there were no supportive working environment. Moreover study indicated lack of recognition, appreciation and rewarding systems makes staff to leave the organization. These factors need to be adequately addressed and proper management system and retention strategies to be formulated to retain nurses.