Review: Top reasons for perioperative nurse turnover intention

Editor's Note

Younger perioperative nurses with less experience are more likely to consider leaving compared to older perioperative nurses, according to a systematic review on factors related to turnover intention among OR nurses published in the November 2025 issue of AORN Journal. The investigators reviewed 11 studies on turnover intention among perioperative nurses and found several key factors, including job satisfaction, age, and work experience.

Perioperative leaders note the high rate of nurse turnover as a significant challenge in healthcare, per the outlet. Previous research has demonstrated multiple factors influencing a nurse to leave a position, including well-being, personal health, career goals, work-life balance, workplace culture, and compensation. The investigators sought to delve deeper into these turnover intention factors across multiple studies that focused on personal and work environment considerations.

While younger nurses with less experience being more likely to consider leaving compared to their older colleagues is the top consistent finding in their systematic review, one caveat is conflicting results with reviewed studies that explored lower qualifications and unstable employment contracts. The studies also showed that higher turnover intention among perioperative nurses was associated with the following:

• increased burnout
• work-related stress
• verbal aggression
• unsafe workplace climate
• extended weekly working hours.

In contrast to these negative factors pushing nurses to leave their roles, positive workplace factors decreased turnover intention. These included:

• greater job satisfaction
• mutual respect among staff
• opportunities for training
• professional development
• higher monthly income
• supportive organizational policies.

The investigators concluded that given how nurse turnover can negatively impact patient care and healthcare costs, addressing the factors underlying nurse turnover is crucial for retaining perioperative nurses and improving care outcomes. They also recommended a focus on strategies to improve job satisfaction and working conditions.