Aim: To examine the association between supervisor support and ethical dilemmas on nurses' intention to leave health care organisations, both directly and through the mediating role of the meaning of work.
Background: The shortage of nurses makes it vital that organisations retain nurses and so reduce the costs associated with replacing experienced nurses.
Methods: This cross-sectional study samples 2,946 registered nurses from a selected health region in Norway. Structural equation modelling was used to test a hypothesized model.
Results: Social support from the supervisor and ethical dilemmas is associated with nurses' intention to leave, both directly and indirectly through the mediating role of the meaning of work.
Conclusion: Health care organisations should enhance social support from supervisors and the meaning of work, and reduce the level of ethical dilemmas in hospitals.
Implications for nursing management: Health care organisations should continuously develop and offer training in nurse manager skills, such as being empathic, understanding employees' needs and how to communicate and handle ethical dilemmas. Managers should value staff contributions, encourage staff involvement in ethical questions and highlight the impact of nurses' work on improving the welfare of others.
Keywords: ethical dilemmas; intention to leave; management; meaning of work; nursing.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.