Health, Work Variables, and Job Satisfaction Among Nurses

BACKGROUND: Evidence from several studies suggests that there is widespread job dissatisfaction among nurses. Coupled with a critical shortage of RNs, this situation threatens the provision of safe healthcare. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships and relative contributions of selected work (stress, work load, weekends off), shift worker health (sleep, depression), and demographic variables (age, number of individuals needing care after work) to job satisfaction in a random, nationwide sample of 247 critical care RNs. METHODS: The Dillman Tailored Design Method of survey research was used to recruit participants and collect data. A descriptive, correlational design evaluated the relationships between the variables. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in these variables among self-defined day-, night-, and rotating-shift nurses. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that more weekends off per month and less depression and emotional stress contributed significantly to job satisfaction in nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in scheduling and interventions designed to reduce depression and emotional stress may help to improve job satisfaction in nurses and aid in nurse recruitment and retention.