Last update:
09-Mar-2021

The intention of nurses to resign from their jobs is a major issue for the secondary and tertiary health care hospitals in Greece, in both the public and the private sector. It results in reduction in the level of health care for the patients, and increase in healthcare costs and reduction in the efficiency of the organizations and the National Health System overall. Low levels of job satisfaction among nurses, along with the consequences of the economic crisis in Greece, call for the effective implementation of motivation theories and the provision of incentives in order to reduce this phenomenon. Indicatively, action plans and non-financial incentives are described, along with the results expected from the practical application of Herzberg's two-factor motivational theory and Adams' equity theory. Expanding the professional role of nurses, continuing education and rewards provided by the state in the case of excellent service, implementation of transformational and transactional leadership by the administrative bodies, intervention to improve building infrastructure, and strengthening hospitals with human resources, can all contribute to a reduction in the intention of nurses to leave their jobs.

Key words: Intention to leave, Job satisfaction, Motivation theories, Nurses.