The Impact of Thriving at Work and Occupational Supports: Early Career Nurse Intentions to Leave an Organisation and Profession

AIM: To examine the direct and indirect predictors of thriving at work and its impact on intention to leave the organisation or profession among early career nurses. DESIGN: A repeated cross-sectional design. METHODS: A sub-study of early career nurses as part of an Australian longitudinal follow up study, commenced in 2018, was conducted. The sub-study asked early career nurses between their second and sixth year after graduating to complete a structured online questionnaire assessing thriving at work and several predictor variables. Data were analysed using Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and path analysis. RESULTS: Among the 67 participants (response rate of 42.9%), thriving at work was positively correlated with occupational hardiness, social support from colleagues, and wellbeing, while negatively correlated with compassion fatigue. Thriving at work and perceived organisational support were the significant predictors of intention to leave the organisation, while perceived organisational support was the only significant predictor of intention to leave the profession. CONCLUSION: The importance of strong collegial relationships, compassion fatigue, and improving wellbeing to enhance thriving at work are highlighted. Fostering an environment where employees can thrive is crucial to reduce the intentions to leave an organisation. Relationships with the managers and quality of care provision also play a crucial role in reducing turnover and leave intentions. Perceived organisational support enhances employee wellbeing, thereby reducing turnover intentions. Future strategies should focus on comprehensive support systems to retain nurses in their organisation and the profession. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Enhancing thriving at work and perceived organisational support can reduce early career nurses' intention to leave their organisation. However, job stressors and interpersonal conflicts also influence professional leave decisions. REPORTING METHOD: This study has adhered to the STROBE guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.