FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE TURNOVER OF NURSES: A Case Study of MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that contribute to the high turnover among nurses working in MP Shah Hospital in order to address these factors and reduce the turnover rates. The specific objectives of the study were: to evaluate the factors that influence nurse turnover in MP Shah Hospital; (ii) to assess the effects of nurse turnover on operations at MP Shah Hospital; and (iii) to analyze the interventions could be used to reduce nurse turnover in MP Shah Hospital. To identify the factors that influence nurse turnover in MP Shah Hospital; To determine the effects of nurse turnover on operations at MP Shah Hospital; and To determine the interventions could be used to reduce nurse turnover in MP Shah Hospital. A Desk study was undertaken in order to eliminate duplication of what has been done and provide a clear understanding of existing knowledge base in the problem area. The literature review is based on authoritative and original sources such as journals, books, thesis and dissertations.

Methods: A case study of MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi was undertaken. Population of study was the nurses currently in employment at MP Shah Hospital and those who have left service in the last five years (They were traced by the researcher, who is in touch with many of them). In addition, the researcher held personal interviews with various key informants, who include matron and various supervisors. Probability sampling was used to arrive at a representative sample for the study. The respondents were sampled using stratified random sampling and were deliberately selected on the basis of convenience as perceived by the researcher; they were also as representative of the various departments and levels along the organizational hierarchy amongst other factors as possible. The questionnaire, which was the main data collection instrument, enabled the researcher to gather in-depth information on phenomena under investigation. The researcher also used interview schedules, which had open questions, aimed at meeting the objectives of the study. In addition, observation method was used in confirming the questionnaire responses.

Analysis: The data was analyzed by employing descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and tables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to aid in analysis. Computation of frequencies in tables, charts and bar graphs were used in data presentation. In addition, the researcher used standard deviations and mean scores to present information pertaining to the study objectives. The information was presented and discussed as per the objectives and research questions of the study.

Results: In terms of Herzberg’s Theory of motivation, the intrinsic factors (motivators) that could influence nurses’ turnover rates were nurses’ dissatisfaction with irregular promotions, lack of recognition and nurses’ lack of autonomy. The extrinsic (hygiene) factors included dissatisfaction with their salaries and marked dissatisfaction with organization and administrative policies and nurses’ inability to access information about patient care and about the management of their units. Nurses turnover rates might be reduced if promotion policies could be consistent, doctors would value nurses’ work and if nurses could be more autonomous. Enhanced communication about policies and about salaries, could contribute to reduced turnover among nurses.

Key Words: Turnover, Nurses, MP Shah Hospital