This study aims to identify the degree of job stress related to COVID-19, emotional labor, empowerment, and retention intention of nurses in hospitals dedicated to infectious diseases, and confirmed the effect of job stress related to COVID-19, emotional labor, and empowerment on retention intention. The data collection of this study was conducted from August 27, 2021 to September 17, 2021 through a structured questionnaire targeting 162 nurses at an infectious disease hospital in S city. The data were analyzed analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, and multiple linear regression using SPSS/WIN 25.0. As a result of analyzing differences according to general characteristics, retention intention showed a significant difference according to work department and work satisfaction. And as a result of analyzing the correlation between retention intention and COVID-19 related job stress, emotional labor, and empowerment, it showed a significant negative correlation (r=-0.215, p=0.006) with job stress related to COVID-19 and a significant positive correlation (r=0.343, p<0.001) with empowerment. As a result of multiple linear regression analysis, job satisfaction, job stress related to COVID-19, and empowerment were identified as significant variables affecting retention intention (F=23.751, p<0.001), and the explanatory power was 30.0%.
Through the above results, we intend to provide basic data for strategic development for efficient nursing manpower management.