Association Between Dimensions of Professional Burnout and Turnover Intention Among Nurses Working in Hospitals During Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in Iran Based on Structural Model

PURPOSE: This study was done to assess the dimensions of professional burnout and turnover intention among nurses working in hospitals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Iran based on a structural model. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 170 nurses working in two referral hospitals of COVID-19 in Tehran Province, Iran, from September to December 2020. Data were collected using the sociodemographic form, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Turnover Intention Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS and Amos software version 22 using independent t-test, ANOVA, and structural equation model. RESULTS: The mean scores for burnout in emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment dimensions were 25.38 ± 7.55, 9.47 ± 4.40, and 34.94 ± 7.80, respectively, moreover for the turnover intention, the score was 6.51 ± 3.17. The reduced personal accomplishment was identified as a positive predictor of turnover intention (p = 0.01). Work position and interest in attending the organization were significantly correlated with the turnover intention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is an immediate need to prepare nurses to cope better with the COVID-19 outbreak. Work-related stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in nurses' burnout and turnover intention. Identifying and managing the factors related to professional burnout will make it possible to prevent the nurses' turnover intention in such critical situations.