Nursing Moral Distress and Intent to Leave Employment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Complexity in nursing practice creates an intense and stressful environment that may lead to moral distress (MD) and registered nurses (RNs) seeking other employment. Local Problem: In 2020, the RN turnover rate was 8%, with postpandemic turnover projected to reach 13%. Methods: The Measure of Moral Distress for Health Care Professionals (MMD-HP) was used to measure the frequency and level of RNs' MD. Results: T tests showed significant differences for 16 of 27 MMD-HP items in RN intent to leave. RNs had 2.9 times the odds of intent to leave (P =.019) due to perceived issues with patient quality and safety and 9.1 times the odds of intent to leave (P