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Sick Leave and Intention to Quit the Job among Nursing Staff in German Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Caterina Schug

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
    The present work was performed in fulfillment of the requirements for obtaining the degree “Dr. rer. biol. hum.”.)

  • Franziska Geiser

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany)

  • Nina Hiebel

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany)

  • Petra Beschoner

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Lucia Jerg-Bretzke

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Christian Albus

    (Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany)

  • Kerstin Weidner

    (Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Eva Morawa

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yesim Erim

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Background: Sick leave and turnover of nurses exacerbate an already existing nursing shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and other countries. Frequency and associated factors of sick leave and intention to quit among nurses need to be examined to maintain healthcare. Methods: An online survey among nursing staff (N = 757) in German hospitals was conducted between May and July 2021. Sick leave days, intention to quit, working conditions, depression, anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms, effort-reward imbalance (ERI), COVID-19-related and sociodemographic variables were measured. Regression analyses were performed. Results: The intention to quit was present in 18.9%. One third (32.5%) reported sick leave of ≥10 and 12.3% more than 25 days in 12 months. Significant predictors for ≥10 sick leave days were infection with SARS-CoV-2, a pre-existing illness, exhaustion, trust in colleagues and fear of becoming infected. Higher ERI reward levels, perception of sufficient staff and contact with infected patients were associated with lower odds for ≥10 sick leave days. Lower reward levels, having changed work departments during the pandemic, working part-time and higher depression levels significantly predicted turnover intention. Conclusion: Alarmingly, many nurses intend to quit working in healthcare. Perceived reward seems to buffer both sick leave and turnover intention. Enhancing protection from COVID-19 and reducing workload might also prevent sick leave. Depression prevention, improved change management and support of part-time workers could contribute to reducing turnover intention among nurses.

Suggested Citation

  • Caterina Schug & Franziska Geiser & Nina Hiebel & Petra Beschoner & Lucia Jerg-Bretzke & Christian Albus & Kerstin Weidner & Eva Morawa & Yesim Erim, 2022. "Sick Leave and Intention to Quit the Job among Nursing Staff in German Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:1947-:d:745710
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kathleen Tori & Thi Thuy Ha Dinh & Carey Mather, 2021. "Healthcare Professional Presenteeism during a COVID-19 Outbreak in an Australian Rural Healthcare Environment: A Case Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-9, August.
    2. Jalal Alharbi & Debra Jackson & Kim Usher, 2020. "The potential for COVID‐19 to contribute to compassion fatigue in critical care nurses," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(15-16), pages 2762-2764, August.
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    2. Lisa Korte & Sabine Bohnet-Joschko, 2022. "Digitization in Everyday Nursing Care: A Vignette Study in German Hospitals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, August.
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    4. Ngqabutho Moyo & Anita D. Bhappu & Moment Bhebhe & Farai Ncube, 2022. "Perceived Risk of COVID-19 and Employee Decision-Making: How Psychological Distress during the Pandemic Increases Negative Performance Outcomes among Healthcare Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-16, June.

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