The findings of this study provide strong evidence that ethical
climate is a significant factor in RNs’ decisions to leave
their positions or to leave the nursing profession. This study
also showed that patient loads contributed significantly to
positional and professional turnover. Consistent with previous
research (Aiken et al., 2001; Aiken et al., 2002), these results
indicate further evidence that staffing levels and workloads
are important components of nursing retention.
Control over professional practice was found to be an
additional component of nurses’ turnover intentions. These
results indicate that higher retention might be achieved when
nurses are able to maintain control over their professional
nursing practice, consistent with the findings of the Institute
of Medicine’s 2003 report on patient safety and nurses’ work
environments.