Nurse turnover in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: To appraise and synthesise existing literature on nurse turnover in the Saudi Arabian context.

Background: Saudi Arabia is notably one of the nations with a health care system that is bombarded by high rates of turnover and turnover intention. Moreover, rapid population growth and the expansion of the health care system increase the demand on registered nurses in the kingdom.

Evaluation: Eleven primary sources were reviewed using Whittemore and Knafl's (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005; 52, 546-553) integrative review method.

Key issues: There is variation in the reported turnover rates across the studies. The identified determinants of nurse turnover in the Saudi Arabian context included nurses' demographics, satisfaction, leadership and management, and job-related factors.

Conclusion: There is a need for more studies that focus on the cost and outcome of nurse turnover and turnover intention in the Saudi Arabian context.

Implications for nursing management: The review highlights the alarming rates of nurse turnover and its determinants in Saudi Arabia. Nurse managers in Saudi Arabia should consider this information, as they make daily assignments.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; integrative review; nurse; turnover.