Impacts of Nurse Turnover in Hospitals: A Systematic Review of Economic and Non-Economic Factors

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines and synthesizes the non-economic and economic impacts of nurse turnover in acute hospitals, addressing a critical concern for the healthcare industry.

Design/Methodology/Approach. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist, researchers reviewed 16 articles from 9,041 initially identified, focusing on non-experimental quantitative studies, original research, and English language publications.

Findings. Findings reveal that nurse turnover is costly, negatively impacts workgroup processes, nurse staffing, and patient outcomes, with seven studies investigating associations between turnover and outcomes, while nine confirm its economic burden. The study concludes that most research emphasizes the adverse non-economic and economic consequences of turnover, underscoring the need for healthcare organizations, nurse managers, and policymakers to develop retention strategies and implementation frameworks to mitigate these effects and enhance hospital competency in improving care quality and patient safety.

 Research Limitations. The review acknowledges several constraints, including possible publication bias, database selection limitations, and exclusive focus on acute care settings which precludes generalization to long-term care or community healthcare environments.

Practical Implications. The findings provide healthcare administrators and policymakers with empirical evidence to design evidence-based retention strategies that reduce financial burdens, improve patient care quality, and enhance workforce stability.

Originality/Value. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of both economic and non-economic impacts of nurse turnover in acute hospitals, addressing a gap where previous reviews predominantly focused on turnover determinants rather than consequences.

References

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