Influences on Mid-Career Nurses’ Intent to Stay in Direct Care Roles

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe mid-career direct care nurses' intent to stay (ITS) and explore the relationship between authentic leadership, workplace belonging, opportunity, job satisfaction, and ITS. BACKGROUND: Retaining mid-career nurses is essential for patient safety and combating the nursing shortage, yet existing literature predominantly focuses on novice nurses. METHODS: A convenience sample of mid-career direct care nurses (N=138) from across the United States participated in an online survey. Researchers used descriptive statistics, correlations, and hierarchical regression to analyze the data. RESULTS: Among the mid-career direct care nurses surveyed, 19.6% indicated no ITS, 37% were neutral or undecided, and 43.5% expressed ITS. Positive correlations were found between the independent variables and ITS. Opportunity and job satisfaction emerged as significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance mid-career nurse retention, nurse leaders should adopt a multifactorial approach, prioritizing job satisfaction and professional opportunities.