Intention to leave in newly qualified nurses and midwives from three European Countries – time for action: A qualitative study

Aim: To analyse the motivations of intention to leave in newly qualified nurses and midwives from Ireland, Italy and Croatia and outline possible strategies and solutions. Background: More newly qualified nurses and midwives are leaving their profession during transition, exacerbating the critical global shortage of nurses and midwives. While many studies have explored reasons and solutions for newly qualified nurses and midwives’ intention to leave, this problem persists. Design: A qualitative study analysing the responses to the open-ended question: What is your main motivation for leaving the profession? Methods: Thematic analysis was used to analyse responses to an open-ended question, which was part of a larger survey. Currently employed newly qualified nurses and midwives with 3–24 months of work experience from one of the three European countries, were included in the study. The Job Demands-Resources Model was used to analyse the determinants and possible solutions for intention to leave. Results: From 471 responses to the survey, 256 (54 %) participants responded to the question on motivations for intention to leave. The following themes were identified: Lack of recognition; Sub-optimal clinical learning environment; Poor working conditions; Negative workplace interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: The motivations for newly qualified nurses and midwives’ intention to leave during transition were very complex and influenced by multiple professional, educational, organisational, environmental and relational factors. These motives call for urgent interventions including evidence-based management, transformational leadership, better working conditions, preceptorship programs and positive workplace environments that adequately recognise the professional value of newly qualified nurses and midwives.