Generational Differences in Moral Injury, Resilience, and Well-Being Among Nurses: Predictors of Intention to Leave Position and Profession

Authors

• Minjin Kim, University of Cincinnati
• Jin Jun, The Ohio State University
• Joshua Lambert, University of Cincinnati
• Henry Ofori Duah, Marquette UniversityFollow
• Sharon J. Tucker, University of Central Florida
• Dónal P. O’Mathúna, The Ohio State University
• Grant Pignatiello, Case Western Reserve University
• Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, Case Western Reserve University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Source Publication

Western Journal of Nursing Research

Source ISSN

0193-9459

Abstract

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the negative impact of moral injury on nurses’ well-being. However, there is a lack of research about generational differences among nurses, particularly on newer nurses who have been identified as having a higher rate of intention to leave.

Objective:

This study examines generational differences among nurses on moral injury, well-being, resilience, and intention to leave their nursing position and profession.

Methods:

This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from registered nurses in clinical practice in Ohio between July and August 2021. Data on demographics, moral injury, resilience, and well-being were collected using an online survey. Participants were categorized into 4 generational groups based on their age in 2021: Baby Boomers (57-75 years old), Generation X (42-56 years old), Generation Y (27-41 years old), and Generation Z (12-26 years old). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression and analysis of variance, were employed for analysis.

Results:

Significant generational differences were found in years of clinical experience, moral injury, resilience, and well-being. Baby Boomers reported higher well-being and resilience and lower moral injury. Notably, the intention to leave the profession was more strongly associated with well-being and moral injury levels than with the years of experience or generational group.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that interventions to improve nurse retention should prioritize enhancing well-being and addressing the root causes of moral injury. Tailored strategies addressing the needs of different generations are necessary for mitigating the adverse effects of current healthcare challenges on nurse attrition.

Comments

Accepted version. Western Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 46, No. 11 (2024): 908-919. DOI. © 2024 the Authors. Used with permission.

Henry Duah was affiliated with the University of Cincinnati at the time of publication.

Recommended Citation

Kim, Minjin; Jun, Jin; Lambert, Joshua; Duah, Henry Ofori; Tucker, Sharon J.; O’Mathúna, Dónal P.; Pignatiello, Grant; and Fitzpatrick, Joyce J., "Generational Differences in Moral Injury, Resilience, and Well-Being Among Nurses: Predictors of Intention to Leave Position and Profession" (2024). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 1143.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/1143