Factors that influence resignations of radiographers employed by tertiary hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The shortage of staff in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) public hospitals is evident and poses a challenge to retain radiographers. Therefore, there is need to identify the factors that influence resignations of radiographers. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence resignations of radiographers employed by tertiary hospitals in KZN province. Methods: The study was guided by a descriptive quantitative research method. The data was collected in the form of questionnaires. A letter of information describing the details of the study was provided to the participants. All consenting participants were requested to provide a written consent prior to completing the questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed, collected and analysed. The statistical analysis test was conducted using SPSS statistic V25. Result: A response rate of 66.35% was received with 78.3% (n=108) female and 21.7% (n=30) male. The result suggested that participants unanimously agree that resignation of radiographers is precipitated by factors such as poor working conditions, unhygienic working environment and uncompetitive salaries. The result also suggested that moving from their current career in radiography to another career is precipitated by factors such as high stress level and long working hours. Conclusion: The factors identified were further analysed and results showed that the participant’s personal reasons for moving from their jobs are corelated with environmental reasons. The most influential factor was stress and remuneration. Keywords: Radiographers; staff resignation; descriptive quantitative research.