Investigation of Unplanned Absenteeism of Nurses Working in a University Hospital: Cross-Sectional Study

AimThis study aimed to determine the tendencies and causes of unplanned absenteeism of nurses and the experiences of clinical nurse managers on this subject.BackgroundAbsenteeism is a common way for an employee to distance themselves from their job. Unplanned absence is defined as the employee's inability to come to work without the employer's consent.MethodsIn the retrospective analysis of the archived data on nurse absenteeism, a qualitative interview technique was used in the data collected from nurse unit managers using the quantitative method, semistructured interview form.ResultsChildren's problems, special reasons, and medical diseases are among the most common reasons for nurses' unplanned absenteeism. As per the nurses in charge, the tendency of unplanned absenteeism in their units is not high; in addition, motivation can reduce the tendency of unplanned absenteeism.ConclusionsIt was emphasized that in absentee management, interteam communication and regulations aimed at increasing the employee's motivation in the work environment are important. Clinical manager nurses can reduce the frequency of unplanned absenteeism by determining the factors that push nurses working in the clinic to unplanned absenteeism for motivational reasons. This study will guide the preparation of programs to improve the causes of unplanned absences in their clinics.