Influence of Perceived Job Demands on Professional Quality of Life and Turnover Intentions of Haematology Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background. Haematology nurses in Singapore experience a highly stressful work environment and increased workload due to the growing number of patients and complex treatment regimens. High job demands can lead to burnout and high staff turnover rates, which compromises the quality of patient care. Aims. To assess perceived work demands, levels of social support from colleagues, professional quality of life (ProQOL), and turnover intentions among haematology nurses and examine whether demographic and occupational characteristics, perceived job demands, and support were associated with ProQOL and turnover intentions. Design. A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design was used in this study. Methods. A convenience sample of 60 haematology nurses working at a tertiary hospital in Singapore completed a self-administered survey. Perceived job demands, support from colleagues, ProQOL, and turnover intentions were measured using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III), Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 (ProQOL5), and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multiple linear regressions were employed for data analysis. Results. Haematology nurses face high cognitive and emotional demands and receive high levels of support from colleagues at work. The majority of the participants reported moderate to high levels of compassion satisfaction (78.3%), burnout (76.7%), and secondary traumatic stress (81.7%). 53.3% of the participants expressed their intention to leave. Perceived job demands were significant predictors of haematology nurses’ ProQOL and turnover intentions. Compassion fatigue also significantly predicts turnover intentions. Conclusion. The high levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress reported by haematology nurses highlight an urgent need to implement strategies to help nurses cope with the high work demands and reduce their levels of compassion fatigue. Implications for Nursing Management. The findings in this study can help nursing leaders understand haematology nurses’ perceived job demands and ProQOL, to develop strategies to improve the workplace environment and retention.