AIM: To elucidate the effects of workplace violence on turnover intention among Chinese healthcare workers, and to identify potential mediators in this relationship.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence has emerged as a crucial determinant of turnover intention for healthcare workers.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Chinese healthcare workers (N = 1,063) between February 13(th) and 20(th) , 2020. Mediation effects were tested using structural equation modeling with weighted least squares mean and variance adjusted (WLSMV) estimator.

RESULTS: Workplace violence had both direct and indirect effects on turnover intention among Chinese healthcare workers. Specifically, perceived social support, mental health, perceived social support together with mental health partially mediated the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intention.

CONCLUSIONS: Chinese healthcare workers experiencing violence during the COVID-19 outbreak were more likely to report turnover intention. Enhancing social support and reducing mental health problems would be beneficial in decreasing the detrimental effects of workplace violence on turnover intention.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Ensuring healthcare workers' health and safety is vital in reducing turnover intention, which in turn ascertains continuity of healthcare delivery. Healthcare managers should develop targeted interventions to improve social support and prevent post-violence mental health problems.