The Mediating Role of Job Stress in the Effect of Glass Ceiling Syndrome on Turnover Intention on Nurses

Purpose –This study aims to determine the mediating role of job stress in the effect of glass ceiling syndrome on the turnover intention of nurses in health institutions. In the literature, there are a limited number of studies examining the relationship between glass ceiling syndrome, turnover intention, and job stress in the sample of nurses in health services. Incorporating research within the private health sector in Turkey and incorporating job stress as a mediating variable adds a unique and original dimension to the study.Design/methodology/approach –A cross-sectional research design was used in the study. A questionnaire was administered to 304 nurses in two private hospitals in Turkey. Descriptive statistical techniques, diffrerence analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and the PROCESS macro Model 4 were employed in the regression analysis.Results –Glass ceiling syndrome has a positive effect on turnover intention. Moreover, this positive effect increases when job stress is used as a mediating variable. In other words, job stress has a mediating effect on the effect of glass ceiling syndrome on turnover intention.Discussion –The glass ceiling syndrome and job stress experienced by nurses lead to turnover intention. The health institutions must improve working conditions and eliminate factors that lead to work stress. In particular, the barriers to nurses' career goals must be eliminated and they should be allowed to take part in management positions.