Relationships among basic psychological needs, organizational commitment, perceived authentic leadership and turnover intention in Korean nurses: A cross-sectional study

Aim This study determined the relationships of satisfaction and frustration with basic psychological needs, organizational commitment, perceived authentic leadership and turnover intention in nurses in South Korea. Background Minimizing nurse turnover is essential for improving the quality of nursing care and patient safety. Methods This was a cross-sectional, correlational pilot study of 216 nurses at a university hospital in South Korea. Data were collected with a self-report questionnaire, from 1 to 15 September 2020. Collected data were analysed using SPSS 24.0. Results Multiple regression analysis revealed that clinical experience (3 to 5 years, beta = 2.35, p = .019; 5 to 10 years, beta = 2.23, p = .026), subjective workload (severe, beta = 2.10, p = .036; extreme, beta = 2.84, p = .005), psychological needs frustration (beta = 0.35, p < .001), organizational commitment (beta = -0.17, p = .011) and perceived authentic nurse leadership (beta = -0.14, p = .030) were found to have significant effects on nurses' turnover intention. Conclusions The results suggest that it is necessary to create a transparent work environment based on authentic leadership and consider individual frustrations with regard to basic psychological needs and organizational commitments. Implications for Nursing Management This study offers a new approach to reducing nurses' turnover. A strategy is needed for efficient nursing staffing management to assist with reduction of nurses' turnover intentions.