Impact of Traumatic Stress on Nurses' Work Ability, Job Satisfaction, Turnover and Intention to Leave: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Aims: This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect effects of secondary traumatic stress (STS) on nurses' perceived work ability and the effect of these two variables on job satisfaction, organisational turnover intention and intention to leave the nursing profession. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2023. Method: Data were collected by sending an online survey to a convenience sample of nurses. Instruments for data collection included a 37-item questionnaire divided into three sections: (i) socio-demographics, job satisfaction, organisational turnover intention, and intention to leave the profession; (ii) perceived work ability assessed through the Work Ability Index (WAI); (iii) STS measured with the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Results: Two hundred seventy-one nurses completed the questionnaire. STS negatively and statistically impacted on WAI, and it was a direct determinant of intention to leave the nursing profession. WAI showed a direct, positive and significant impact on job satisfaction and it was a significant partial mediator in the relationship between STS and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction mediated between WAI, the intention to leave the nursing profession, and the organisational turnover intention. Conclusion: STS negatively impacted nurses' work ability, influencing their job satisfaction through the mediation of WAI, whereas job satisfaction independently affected nurses' organisational turnover intention. Moreover, STS was a positive and direct determinant of the intention to leave the nursing profession. Impact: Nurses, as helping professionals, are exposed to extreme stressful events resulting from the traumatic experiences of patients. STS in nurses can lead to emotional exhaustion, turnover intention, job dissatisfaction and reduced work ability. The findings from this study offer insights that can help shape organisational health policies aimed at reducing STS, preserving nurses' work ability, enhancing job satisfaction and mitigating turnover intentions within and outside the nursing profession. Reporting method: This study followed the STROBE checklist guidelines for cross-sectional studies. Patient or public contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution.