Beyond the call of duty: exploring early career nurses’ mobility ambitions and commitment in the face of workplace challenges

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the complex relationship between early career nurses’ organizational commitment and their career mobility intentions, with a focus on the crucial role of family and external support. Additionally, it examines how nurses cope with increased job demands and psychological contract breaches from a work-home resources model perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Using the Work–Home Resources model as a guiding framework, this study employs a phenomenological approach to explore nurses’ lived experiences. In-depth qualitative interviews provided rich insights into how they manage professional demands while navigating their psychological contracts. Findings: Excessive job demands led to resource depletion and psychological contract breaches among nurses. In navigating these challenges, nurses engaged in sensemaking to balance external pressures with personal resources, showing varied commitment styles – from caregiving-driven dedication to pragmatic career focus. Family support played a crucial role, fostering problem-focused coping and supporting mobility aspirations. Originality/value: By integrating psychological contract breaches experienced by nurses via the work-home resources model framework, this research addresses calls to understand how psychological contracts change over time. It advocates for a holistic, yet tailored approach to nurse mobility, retention and satisfaction, offering valuable contributions to the field of healthcare management. © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.