Workplace violence, career identity, and turnover intentions: the mediating role of job burnout among newly recruited rotational nurses

Abstract

Abstract Background Nursing turnover is a critical global issue, particularly among newly employed nurses in standardized training. This study explores the relationships between professional identity, workplace violence, burnout, and turnover intention, focusing on the mediating role of burnout. Methods A cross-sectional design was used, recruiting 1,058 participants from five tertiary hospitals in Jinan, Shandong. Data were collected using the Nursing Career Identity Scale, Workplace Violence Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Nurse Turnover Intention Scale. Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied for analysis. Results Workplace violence (r = 0.30, p < 0.001) was positively associated with burnout, while professional identity (r = − 0.26, p < 0.001) was negatively associated. Burnout mediated the effects of workplace violence (β = 0.05) and professional identity (β = −0.08) on turnover intention. Conclusions Burnout significantly mediates the effects of workplace violence and professional identity on turnover intention among newly employed nurses. In addition to reinforcing professional identity and mitigating workplace violence, implementing strategies such as workload adjustment, psychological support, and conflict resolution training may offer practical pathways to reduce burnout and enhance nurse retention. Trial number Not applicable.

Keywords

• Turnover intention
• Professional identity
• Workplace violence
• Job burnout
• Newly employed nurses