Influence of work excitement and workplace violence on professional commitment and turnover intention among hospital nurses

Aim and objectives This study aimed to determine the influence of work excitement, workplace violence and the violence prevention climate on professional commitment and turnover intention. Background Workplace violence can easily cause the quality of nursing care to decline. Improvements in the working environment and working conditions can improve nurses' professional commitment and satisfaction. Design A cross-sectional multicentre study with convenience sampling was conducted. We have complied with the guidelines of STROBE Checklist in presenting this research. Methods Out of 900 questionnaires, 696 were deemed valid for analysis (77.33%). This study collected data on sociodemographic information, experiences of workplace violence, professional commitment, work excitement, violence prevention climate and turnover intention. Results The results show that professional commitment has a significant effect on turnover intention. Professional commitment positively influences work excitement, especially when the work is challenging and varied. It also indirectly influences turnover intention by generating work excitement. Workplace violence introduces an interactive moderating effect on the relationship between professional commitment and work excitement. A violence prevention climate changes the interactive moderating effect of workplace violence on professional commitment, which in turn influences turnover intention. Conclusions Positive work experience, institutional organisational policies and support systems are the mediating and moderating factors in the relationship between professional commitment and turnover intention. Nurses expect organisations to maintain good staff relations, provide a positive working environment and learning opportunities and strengthen communication channels, all of which affect nurse retention. Relevance to clinical practice Workplace violence is a serious crisis that can lead to turnover intention among hospital nurses. To enhance interpersonal relationships in the workplace and improve nurse retention, hospitals should schedule an adequate amount of staff and provide sufficient equipment and supplies to create a safe and positive work environment.