Factors Influencing Occupational Retention of Nurses in Their 20s and 30s

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the occupational retention of nurses in their 20s and 30s in South Korea. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) conducted in 2017. Participants comprised 485 registered nurses in their 20s and 30s. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Nurses' occupational retention rate was low when working long hours, working quickly, standing for long periods, and if exposed to physical and verbal abuse. Nurses' occupational retention rate was high when education or interventions in work-related health and safety were provided. To increase occupational retention, optimal work hours should be assigned, working speed should be adjusted, physical and verbal abuse should be prevented, and various forms of health and safety education should be provided. Regulations and intervention programs that improve nurses' work environments should also be provided.