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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2222-6990

Should I Stay or Should I Go? A Stimulus-Organism-Response Perspective on Post-COVID- 19 Fears and Nursing Students’ Career Withdrawal Turnover Intentions

Azlina Muzaini, Beni Widarman Yus Kelana, Nur Zainie Abd Hamid, Noorul Amilin Mohamed, Almi Mahmod

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v16-i5/28201

Open access

This conceptual study examines how nursing students' perceptions of workplace safety climate and organizational support influence their future turnover intentions in the post-COVID-19 context. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theory, COVID-19-related fears are conceptualized as external stimuli, perceived organizational support as a mediating psychological mechanism, and workplace safety climate as a moderating contextual factor. Evidence suggests that strong organizational support enhances resilience and professional commitment, mitigating the negative effects of fear, while a robust safety climate strengthens this protective effect. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive and safe clinical environments to retain future nurses, providing practical guidance for healthcare policymakers, educators, and clinical managers.

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Muzaini, A., Kelana, B. W. Y., Hamid, N. Z. A., Mohamed, N. A., & Mahmod, A. (2026). Should I Stay or Should I Go? A Stimulus-Organism-Response Perspective on Post-COVID- 19 Fears and Nursing Students’ Career Withdrawal Turnover Intentions. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 16(5), 378–394.