Factors affecting nurses' job satisfaction in rural and urban acute care settings: A PRISMA systematic review

This review aimed to systematically assess the findings of primary studies to identify the factors associated with nurse job satisfaction in rural and urban contexts while analysing the findings according to Herzberg's theory.

While there is evidence linking several factors to nurses' job satisfaction, gaps still exist in understanding the differences between factors affecting job satisfaction for nurses working in rural and urban settings.

Systematic review with narrative summary.

Six databases were used to identify original studies that discuss the factors associated with the nurse's job satisfaction between 1998-2018.

Two authors independently reviewed each study using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklists. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement to report and examine the study biases systematically.

A total of 38 studies were selected for this review. Physical working environment and authority and freedom were the most frequently reported factors associated with nurses' job satisfaction. Several extrinsic, intrinsic, personal, and community factors were also found to be associated with nurses' job satisfaction. Urban studies tended to focus on extrinsic factors, whereas there was more balance between the two sets of factors in rural studies.

Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors play an essential role in nurses' job satisfaction. Future research should use more robust research methods and pay more attention to contrasting rural and urban contexts. Herzberg's theory can provide conceptual clarity when investigating the factors associated with nurses' job satisfaction.

This review discussed the factors associated with nurses' job satisfaction in rural and urban settings. The findings linked several extrinsic and intrinsic factors to nurses' job satisfaction. Nursing management should search for the perfect blend of intrinsic and extrinsic factors based on nurses' needs and organizational commitment to improve nurses' job satisfaction.