Relationship between Professional Self-Concept with Intention to Leave, and Professional Quality of Life among Psychiatric Nurses

Background: Nurses working in psychiatric wards face unique challenges compared to other departments, such as job dissatisfaction and turnover, which require special attention from management. A positive professional self-concept can play a crucial role in enhancing adaptability in the high-stress nursing environment. Objective: The research team aimed to investigate the relationship between professional self-concept and the tendency to leave the profession and professional quality of life among psychiatric nurses. Design: This was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted on 219 nurses employed at Razi Educational and Treatment Center in Tehran in 2023. The sample was selected using a census method. Main outcome measures: Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, Kevin's Professional Self-Concept Questionnaire, Hinshaw's Turnover Intention Questionnaire, and Stamm's Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results: The average professional self-concept score of the nurses was 25.37±69.22. The tendency to leave the job, compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary trauma stress were at moderate levels. Professional self-concept and satisfaction with received salary were predictors of the tendency to leave the job. Professional self-concept was the only predictor of compassion satisfaction and secondary trauma stress. Burnout was predicted by both professional self-concept and satisfaction with salary. Conclusions: It is recommended that managers and policymakers develop programs to enhance professional self-concept and increase the salary of nurses working in psychiatric departments to reduce their tendency to leave the profession and improve their professional quality of life.