Workforce issues in nursing in Queensland: 2001 and 2004.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Studies
• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• A 2004 survey assessed nurse satisfaction with working life, focusing on workload, skill mix, remuneration, and morale.
• Results were compared with 2001 data to identify trends in nursing job satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing nursing work and inform strategic planning for the Queensland Nurses Union.
• To provide data for policy makers and nurse managers on improving nurse retention.

Main Methods:

• A 2004 questionnaire survey was distributed to 3000 Assistants-in-Nursing, Enrolled, and Registered Nurses.
• 1349 nurses (45% response rate) from public, private, and aged care sectors participated.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported heavy workloads, inadequate skill mix, poor reward for skills/experience, high stress, and deteriorating morale.
• Nursing morale was significantly associated with autonomy, equipment, safety, teamwork, stress, physical demands, workload, rewards, career prospects, status, and remuneration.
• A majority of nurses could not complete tasks within available time.

Conclusions:

• Findings align with 2001 survey results, indicating persistent issues in the nursing profession.
• Workplace autonomy, teamwork, stress levels, workload, remuneration, and safety are key determinants of nursing morale and retention.
• Addressing these factors is essential for retaining nurses in aged care, acute hospitals, and community settings.