Background Reforming health care systems can influence the workers. Among the aspects that could be influenced are the perception of job security, job satisfaction and turnover intention. However, nurses’ perception on job security, job satisfaction and turnover intention during health care reform and privatization is a topic yet to be explored. Objectives To examine the link between job security, job satisfaction and turnover intention during the reform and privatization of a health care system. Design A cross‐sectional survey design was utilized in this study. Methods The survey was composed of sociodemographic items, global job satisfaction item, global turnover items and job security scale. Data were analysed using SPSS, and univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses tests were used. Results Although job satisfaction partially mediated the association between job security and organisational turnover during health care reform, it completely mediated the association between job security and professional turnover intention. Conclusions Further research is needed to examine this finding. Implication for nursing management The findings of this study benefit nurse managers and leaders for their evidence‐based management. Moreover, this study will help them focus on practices that satisfy the staff and improve the job security by improving the communication and work on changing the policy.