Factors Influencing the Retention Intention of Female Nurses Raising Young and School-Age Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the factors influencing the retention intention of female nurses raising young and school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In total, 131 female nurses working in hospitals with 30 or more beds who remained employed throughout the pandemic participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a structured self-report questionnaire in July 2023 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis with IBM SPSS 29.0. Results: The mean score for retention intention was 3.98 out of 5. Parenting stress averaged 3.02, family support 4.08, family-friendly policies 1.83 (out of 4), family-friendly organizational culture 2.98, and social responsibility 3.56. Regression analysis identified a monthly salary over 4 million KRW (β=.28, p=.005), parenting stress (β=–.20, p=.049), and social responsibility (β=.19, p=.036) as significant factors influencing retention intention, with an explanatory power of 19.2% (F=4.43, p<.001). Conclusion: Retention intention among nurses with young children during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with financial stability, reduced parenting stress, and a strong sense of social responsibility. To enhance nurse retention during future public health crises, policies should incorporate practical childcare support and strengthen professional social responsibility.