Effect of COVID-19 Frontline Nurses’ Profession Perception on Their Intention to Stay: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the factors affecting the intention of frontline nurses during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to stay in the nursing profession is essential for developing strategies to overcome the challenges associated with the pandemic. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of nurses’ job satisfaction on the relationship between their sense of calling, job-esteem, and the intention to stay in their profession. Methods: The study used a previously collected dataset, sourced from a dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Seoul City, South Korea. Original data were collected from June to July 2021. The study sample consisted of 134 nurses who provided direct care to patients. The intention to stay was measured with the following question: “Are you willing to work during this COVID-19 pandemic?”. The Job Satisfaction Scale from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study, Korean version of a Multidimensional Calling Measure, and Job-Esteem Scale for Hospital Nurses were utilized. Associations between the study variables were estimated using bivariate correlation analyses and bootstrapping mediation analyses. Results: In the bivariate correlation analysis, nurses’ sense of calling (r =.36, p