RNs and LPNs: emotional exhaustion and intention to leave.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and compare registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) emotional exhaustion, intention to leave and reasons for leaving.


BACKGROUND
Different skill mix/care delivery models are being used to address nurse shortages and rising health-care costs. Skill mix may include RNs and LPNs. More LPNs are being employed in areas, such as acute care, that have been previously staffed by all RNs. Little is known about nurse outcomes since the introduction of LPNs to acute care settings.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional correlational design. A stratified, random sample of acute care nurses completed surveys via Fluidsurveys. The survey was modelled after the RN4CAST nursing workforce survey.


RESULTS
For both groups of nurses higher levels of emotional exhaustion were associated with intention to leave and workload was the most frequent reason cited for intention to leave. More RNs than LPNs cited career advancement as a reason to leave, and more LPNs than RNs identified poor salary as a reason to leave.


CONCLUSIONS
Emotional exhaustion is linked to intention to leave health care.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurse managers should address work environment factors associated with turnover intentions, such as professional development opportunities and shared decision-making.
School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Farinaz
F
Havaei
School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Maura
M
MacPhee
School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
V Susan
VS
Dahinten
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D065102:Licensed Practical Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
emotional exhaustion; intention to leave; licensed practical nurses; reasons for intention to leave; registered nurses