Predictors of job satisfaction in remote hospital nursing

This research examined the relationship between the content of work, the work environment and job satisfaction among nurses working in a teaching hospital located in a remote area of Central Australia. Using the results of recent meta-analyses of job satisfaction, a conceptual framework was developed that predicted that work content (variety, autonomy, task identity and feedback) and work environment (ward facilities, collaboration with medical staff, cohesion amongst nurses, staffing, pooling and respected by others) would influence job satisfaction. A descriptive survey of 135 nurses employed in a 170 bed hospital was undertaken. Strongest predictors of job satisfaction were job variety, feedback and collaboration with medical staff. Other moderate correlates were cohesion amongst nurses and task identity. This study demonstrated that feedback from colleagues and supervisors should never be trivialised as a strategy to improve job satisfaction. Furthermore, the need to be considered as part of the health care team by the medical profession can be influenced by proactive workplace strategies and policies.