Nurses' intention to remain employed in hospitals: Understanding the shortage in the context of Myanmar

Purpose This study aims to ascertain the rate and identify the factors associated with nurses' intention to remain employed at hospitals in the Yangon Region. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 300 nurses aged between 20 and 60 years working at both private and public hospitals in the Yangon Region during May to June 2015. Chi-square tests were used to identify factor associations, and multiple logistic regression was examined to determine predictive factors. Results The study revealed that 63.6% of nurses intended to remain employed. Marital status (adjusted odd ratio: 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-4.32), work characteristics (adjusted odd ratio: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.33-4.41), job stress and burnout (adjusted odd ratio: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.01-3.11), and recognition (adjusted odd ratio: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.07-3.59) were found to be significant predictors of nurses' intention to remain employed at the hospitals. Conclusions Recognition and other nonmonetary incentive support systems should be provided to enhance the retention of nurses at the hospitals.