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. 2023 Apr;30(2):247-253.
doi: 10.1016/j.colegn.2022.09.006. Epub 2022 Sep 19.

Mediating effect of job performance between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among hospital nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A path analysis

Chin-Yun Wang  1   2   3 , Yen-Kuang Lin  4 , I-Hui Chen  3 , Cai-Shih Wang  5 , Kath Peters  6 , Shu-Hui Lin  7
Affiliations

Mediating effect of job performance between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among hospital nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A path analysis

Chin-Yun Wang et al. Collegian. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Nursing shortages are a persistent and concerning problem for the nursing workforce worldwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional stressors and workloads and has worsened nursing shortages.

Aim: To investigate interrelationships among emotional intelligence, job performance, and turnover intentions of nurses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and explore the mediating effect of job performance between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. In total, 673 nurses working in a medical centre hospital in northern Taiwan were recruited from November 2020 to April 2021. An anonymous questionnaire was used in this survey. Data were collected using a seven-item turnover intention scale, a 16-item emotional intelligence scale, a 24-item job performance scale, and demographic questions. A path analysis was performed. This study was based on STROBE guidelines.

Findings: Statistically significant correlations between turnover intentions and emotional intelligence (r = -0.10, p = 0.012), between turnover intentions and job performance (r = -0.13, p = 0.002), and between emotional intelligence and job performance (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) were detected. Model fit indices were adequate. Job performance had a significant indirect effect between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions (β = -0.16, p = 0.011).

Discussion: It was found that job performance was a mediator between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions during the pandemic. The study results support the need to continue to create healthy work environments.

Conclusion: These results can assist hospitals in developing specific evidence-based interventions such as showing appreciation and providing acknowledgments to reduce turnover of their nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Emotional intelligence; Job performance; Nursing; Turnover intentions.

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