Job satisfaction of Italian nurses: an exploratory study

The purpose of this research was to determine the factors that lead to feelings of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction experienced by nurses operating in three Italian hospitals.

A high level of job satisfaction is related to a feeling of well-being, productivity and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, job satisfaction is considered capable of reducing turnover and absenteeism.

Data were collected using the narrative interview technique. Sixty-four interviews were undertaken, resulting in the collection of 381 stories: 207 referring to job satisfaction experiences and 174 referring to job dissatisfaction experiences.

The five job satisfaction factors are: job content; professional relationships; responsibility, independence and professional growth; relationships with patients and their families; and relationships with coordinators. The four job dissatisfaction factors are: coordinator management style; activity programming and organization; relationships with doctors; and relationships with patients.

Results indicate that the present nursing management techniques should be improved to become more effective in increasing job satisfaction. To be more precise there emerge three separate areas of improvement: investment in professional training and managerial training; renovation of organizational models; and permanent monitoring of job satisfaction.