Predictors of Turnover Intentions Among Specialized Oncology Nurses in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 6, June 2026 | pp. 31–41

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000136

Original Research Article

Title: Predictors of Turnover Intentions Among Specialized Oncology Nurses in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities

Names of Authors: Kofi A. Mensah¹, Zanele T. Ndlovu²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Nursing, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana; ²Department of Nursing Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Abstract:
The global shortage of oncology nurses is exacerbated by escalating attrition rates, severely compromising specialized cancer care pathways. This study examined the demographic, institutional, and psychological predictors of turnover intentions among oncology nurses in public tertiary hospitals. A multicenter descriptive cross-sectional design was deployed across four major referral centers. A sample of 188 oncology nurses completed standardized instruments including the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and the 6-item Turnover Intention Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was executed to isolate standalone predictors. The aggregate prevalence of high turnover intention among the cohort reached 54.8%. Key regression models demonstrated that poor organizational leadership (beta = -0.34, p < 0.001), severe emotional exhaustion (beta = 0.42, p < 0.001), and chronic inadequacy of specialized nurse staffing ratios (beta = -0.29, p = 0.004) significantly predicted the desire to leave. Years of oncology experience did not moderate this relationship. High professional turnover among oncology nurses is predominantly fueled by toxic or unsupportive work environments and chronic systemic exhaustion rather than personal factors. Urgent policy interventions focused on safety culture, psychological counseling programs, and workload adjustments are critical for retention.

Keywords: Oncology Nursing; Turnover Intentions; Work Environment; Nurse Retention; Professional Burnout; Cancer Care.

Manuscript Timeline: Received March 12, 2026; Revised May 10, 2026; Accepted May 29, 2026; Published June 12, 2026.

Citation: Mensah, K. A., & Ndlovu, Z. T. (2026). Predictors of Turnover Intentions Among Specialized Oncology Nurses in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(6), 31–41.

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