Turnover Intention and Grit among Filipino Nurses

Written by Rainier C. Moreno-Lacalle, Maria Angela Aguirre, Laura Glory Anne B. Cadabuna, Shiela May B. Dacallos, Lyndon Glen L. de Jesus, Anfernee R. Esmabe, Joena Liza B. Guansing., Atheena Kyla L. Liberato, Gwyneth Erica P. Lorenzana, Vina R. Rodrigo, Xelynne C. Supnet, Sonwright C. Tao-ey, & Isabelle Bea O. Yu

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2023.13.02.1306

Abstract

Background: Filipino nurses are going to foreign land en masse, leaving the Philippines with a smaller and disproportionate number of nurses for its population. This situation creates a need to understand the nature and extent of the factors associated with nurses’ turnover intention.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the factors that may contribute to turnover intention among Filipino nurses. Specifically, the objectives of this study were to (1) determine the level of turnover intention among Filipino nurses; (2) determine the predictive value of turnover intention among Filipino nurses based on age, employment status, institution type, and exposure to a positive COVID-19 patient in the last six (6) months; (3) determine the level of grit among Filipino nurses; and (4) determine the association between grit and turnover intention among Filipino nurses.

Methods: A descriptive-correlational research design was employed in this study. Quota sampling was used to secure respondents from three (3) accessible private and public hospitals in Northern Philippines. A total of 325 nurses returned the questionnaire via electronic and paper-based modalities. Data was analyzed using Jamovi® software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to address the research objectives.

Results: The variables age, gender, type of institution, the status of employment, and exposure to COVID-19 the last six months statistically intercept turnover intention (p = < .001) but only explain the 2-3% of the variance (t = 34.832, r2 = < 0.05). The level of grit among nurses (M = 3.60) falls in the 40th-50th percentile. The results show that nurses belong in the 70th-80th percentile, reporting they are diligent (M = 3.14), they finish whatever they begin (M = 3.13), and are hardworking (M = 4.05). Lastly, a moderate correlation exists between grit and turnover intention (rs = 0.022, p = > 0.05).

Conclusions: Personal and work-related factors influence turnover intention among nurses. Multiple factors, including grit, age, and employment status in the Philippines may help to explain Filipino nurses’ migration.

Keywords: turnover intention, grit, Filipino nurses, migration