This cross-sectional study aims to identify high-risk symptom cluster groups for assessing the quality of nursing work life (QNWL) and turnover intention among Korean nurses who have experienced workplace violence. Nurses were recruited for an online survey in May 2021 (n = 203). The following four symptom clusters are extracted: (a) depression-anxiety, (b) shame-somatization, (c) nightmare-loss of appetite, and (d) anger-shock. Three symptom cluster groups were identified. Group 1 had the highest score for the anger-shock symptom cluster, as well as the highest symptom scores and turnover intention. Group 2 had the highest score for the nightmare-loss of appetite symptom cluster and the lowest QNWL. Group 3 had a similar symptom cluster pattern to Group 1 but lower scores for all symptom clusters. Symptom monitoring and programs tailored to symptom cluster groups at the institutional level could be useful for managing QNWL and turnover intention.
Keywords: nurses; nursing staff; personnel turnover; quality of nursing work life; symptom; turnover intention; workplace violence.