Factors Affecting Nurses' Internal Transfer Intentions after the Introduction of COVID-19-Related Family Visiting Restrictions

Hospitals have established visiting restrictions to block coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) external transmission routes. This study investigated factors associated with nurses' internal transfer intentions and changes in their workloads, burdens, and daily lives owing to pandemic-related family visiting restrictions. Participants were nurses from three medical institutions designated for infectious diseases in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. An original self-report questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and a web-based survey conducted. Responses were received from 152 nurses and 84 were included in the analysis. Factors influencing internal transfer intentions were age >= 30 years [odds ratio (OR): 6.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-35.83]; >= 11 years of experience (OR: 12.57, 95% CI: 2.32-68.02); and longer working hours (OR: 4.51, 95% CI: 1.48-13.72). The effect of visitation restrictions on daily life and internal transfer intentions was greater in nurses with >= 11 years of experience (OR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.09-17.04), those with increased night awakening (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.33-10.18), and those who desired to receive counseling (OR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.07-17.91). In conclusion, excessive working hours may affect nurses' internal transfer intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nocturnal awakening and desire to receive counseling may predict nurses' internal transfer intentions.