Associations between stressors and leave-taking behavior among nursing interns: a cross-sectional quantitative survey

Objective To examine the relationship between academic and clinical stressors and leave-taking frequency among nursing interns, and to identify independent predictors of frequent leave behavior. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2021 and April 2024 at Linfen People’s Hospital. Using a consecutive sampling method, 910 nursing interns were included. Baseline characteristics, leave records, and academic and stress scale data were collected. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and ordinal logistic regression were performed. Results Significant group differences were found in academic and clinical stress levels ( p < 0.05). The high-frequency leave group reported greater stress from examinations, fear of failure, internship workload, and clinical skill application. Correlation analysis revealed a strong cross-domain link between Fear of Failure and Clinical Skills Application ( r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified several independent predictors, with clinical skill application and examination pressure showing the strongest effects. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that academic and clinical stressors jointly contribute to leave-taking behavior among nursing interns, with a notable cross-domain spillover effect. Targeted interventions should be tailored for vulnerable subgroups.