Effectiveness of the Purpose in Life Program and Intention to Stay Among Registered Nurses

Abstract

Recent trends indicate a high attrition rate among newly graduated nurses, primarily attributed to excessive work demands and job-related stress. Consequently, fostering a sense of life purpose emerges as a critical psychological factor that enhances motivation and facilitates effective stress management, thereby promoting the sustainable retention of nurses within the profession. This quasi-experimental study sought to examine the impact of a life purpose enhancement program on the intention to remain in the profession among professional nurses. The study sample comprised 60 professional nurses with 1-3 years of work experience at Vachira Phuket Hospital, divided into an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 30 participants. The experimental group engaged in a six-week life purpose and intention to stay enhancement program. The research instruments included: 1) a general information questionnaire, 2) a life purpose questionnaire, 3) an intention to stay questionnaire, and 4) the life purpose and intention to stay enhancement program. These instruments were evaluated by three experts, resulting in an average content validity index of .97, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients of .97 and .92. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics, such as chi-square and t-tests for independent and paired groups.

Results: Following participation in the program, the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant increase (p < .01) in their mean scores for life goal awareness and intention to remain in their current employment, compared to their scores prior to program enrollment. These findings indicate that the program effectively enhances life goal awareness and job retention intentions among professional nurses. Nursing administrators may implement this program to assist nurses in developing and recognizing their life goals, perceiving work as an integral component of these goals. This perception fosters pride, empowers individuals, aids in stress management, motivates work performance, and contributes to the retention of skilled nursing personnel within the organization.