Using the theory of planned behaviour to explain junior nurses' and final-year student nurses' intention to care for COVID-19 patients in China: A multisite cross-sectional study.

AIM

To explore junior nurses' and final-year student nurses' intention to care for COVID-19 patients amidst the Delta COVID-19 variant outbreak in China using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a framework.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified global nursing shortage. Junior nurses and final-year student nurses represent the backbone of the future frontline nursing workforce. The TPB is a valid theoretical model for predicting nurses' caring behaviours.

METHODS

A 47-item self-administered questionnaire was disseminated online to a convenience sample of 547 junior nurses and final-year student nurses located in 13 regions across mainland China.

RESULTS

Approximately 63.4% of the participants intended to care for COVID-19 patients voluntarily and 65.6% by non-voluntary assignment. The TPB model significantly predicted 45% of the variance in behavioural intention, subjective norms being the strongest predictor. Gender, vaccination status and ethical perceptions regarding frontline work significantly correlated with the intention to provide care.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of social, organisational and family support underpinning future junior nurses' professional commitment in times of public health crisis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Pandemic-tailored workplace training programmes for nurses/student nurses that emphasize on self-care and ethical issue discussions are warranted. Hospital managers should collaborate with community partners to offer additional family support for nurses in need.