Job characteristics related to job satisfaction in rehabilitation nursing

While much research is available on the job satisfaction of nurses in general, little is known about the job satisfaction of rehabilitation nurses. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to identify job characteristics that are related to job satisfaction in rehabilitation nursing. The target population was rehabilitation nurses throughout the United States. The McCloskey-Muller Satisfaction Scale was used to measure three dimensions of job satisfaction: safety rewards (potential against dangerous threats), social rewards (the need to belong), and psychological rewards (autonomy, responsibility, recognition, and appreciation). Respondents rated their satisfaction with aspects of their current job by selecting a response from a 5-point Likert scale for 31 items in these three dimensions. The results suggest that rehabilitation nurses are satisfied with scheduling, extrinsic rewards, coworkers, social interactions, professional opportunities, delivery of care, praise, recognition, and responsibility. They are, however, less satisfied with child care facilities, balance between family and work, opportunities to participate in organizational decision making, control in the work setting, and career advancement. Opportunities to participate in nursing research or to write and publish neither satisfied nor dissatisfied the majority of respondents. Nursing administrators need to examine the factors that provide job satisfaction to rehabilitation nurses so as to retain capable nurses in the practice environment.