Kazakhstan study identifies factors driving job satisfaction and retention intentions among nurses

A new study examines what drives job satisfaction and retention intentions among nurses working in public clinical centers in Kazakhstan. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 359 nurses, the researchers found that nurses were generally satisfied with their jobs, but retention intention was only moderate. The findings highlight mentorship, recognition, professional role development, and supportive practice environments as important levers for strengthening the nursing workforce during a period of healthcare reform in Kazakhstan.

Key findings

• The study surveyed 359 nurses in two public clinical centers in Kazakhstan using the Casey-Fink Nurse Retention Survey and the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index.
• Nurses reported a moderately positive job satisfaction score of 3.89/5, while retention intention averaged 3.12/4, suggesting that many nurses were satisfied but not fully secure in their long-term commitment to stay.
• Recognition and rewards and mentorship were both strongly associated with job satisfaction, with recognition and mentorship also showing a particularly strong correlation with each other (r = 0.84).
• In regression analysis, mentorship, professional nursing role, and nurse participation in hospital affairs emerged as significant positive predictors of job satisfaction.
• Scheduling and flexibility showed a significant negative association with job satisfaction, indicating that rigid schedules may be undermining nurse well-being.
• The overall model explained a substantial share of the variation in job satisfaction (R² = 0.416), underscoring the importance of workplace and organizational factors.

Why it matters

Nurse shortages are a global concern, and Kazakhstan is facing these pressures while its healthcare system continues to evolve. This study provides rare empirical evidence from Central Asia showing that workforce stability depends not only on staffing levels, but also on whether nurses feel supported, recognized, mentored, and included in decision-making. The findings offer practical guidance for hospitals and policymakers seeking to improve retention, strengthen working conditions, and sustain quality patient care.