Perceptions of working as a nurse in an acute care setting

This paper focuses on the changing nature of nurses' perceptions of their work. It examines the major sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction experienced by nurses working at a major teaching hospital in May 2000. Coding categories reflected four components of nurses' work experiences: organizational, interpersonal, structural and professional. Organizational aspects of work were over-represented as sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction and related to perceived changes in management philosophy (increasing productivity with limited resources). Study findings provide some clear goals for responsive, sensitive management.