Influence of COVID-19–Induced Anxiety on Job Turnover Intention among Emergency Room Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Mediating Effect of Needs Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, anxiety and need satisfaction may predict turnover intention among emergency room nurses, with need satisfaction negatively influencing turnover intention. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of need satisfaction on the relationship between COVID-19–induced anxiety and job turnover intention among emergency room nurses during the pandemic. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 206 emergency room nurses from 11 hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected using a questionnaire from December 2022 to February 2023. Results: High COVID-19–induced anxiety was associated with increased turnover intention among nurses. Physiological needs partially mediated the relationship between COVID-19–induced anxiety and turnover intention. However, safety and belongingness needs showed no mediating effect. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, if physiological needs were not satisfied, reducing anxiety and turnover intention among emergency room nurses proved challenging, even when other needs were met. Therefore, physiological needs should be prioritized and addressed before focusing on other types of needs.