Factors associated with nursing home direct care professionals’ turnover intent during the COVID-19 pandemic

•Identification of modifiable factors associated with turnover intent among direct care professionals in nursing homes – especially during the stressful working conditions of the pandemic - is important for preventing turnover which negatively effects residents’ health.•Job satisfaction is the main driver of turnover intent. Direct care professionals reporting higher job satisfaction were more likely to report intent of remaining in their job.•Provision of high-quality communication and training are strategies to increase job satisfaction and lessen the chance of turnover intent among direct care professionals in nursing homes.