Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction of Nurses Working at General Hospitals

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to clarify the factors providing nurses with a positive feeling and sense of satisfaction concerning their work. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 nurses working at general hospitals, and studied the results through qualitative analysis. The results indicated that their senses of job satisfaction were influenced by factors in 6 categories: [positive feelings about the work], [professional autonomy], and [checking work achievements] with regard to their work, [support from superiors] and [relationships with other people] with regard to interpersonal relationships, and a [good working environment]. The respondents had gained [positive feelings about the work], such as pride and a sense of satisfaction in their work, by actively seeking professional goals and achieving their [professional autonomy]. Further, [checking work achievements] enhanced the [positive feelings about the work] and [professional autonomy]. The respondents were encouraged by [support from superiors], including appropriate advice and communication provided by superiors facilitating growth and development, and [relationships with other people], including positive evaluation by their colleagues and doctors and approval by their patients. For a [good working environment], proper working conditions and workload, as well as the opportunity to take a leave of absence and attend academic society meetings, were important. The results suggested that the respondents had a heightened sense of job satisfaction by meeting the criteria in the 3 categories with regard to their work with support from superiors and other people in a [good working environment].