Psychometric Testing of a Composite Score for Job Satisfaction of Newly Licensed Registered Nurses

Background and Purpose: Inconsistent scaling and inadequate psychometrics on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and intent to leave among nurses have resulted in studies using a single question to measure these outcomes. Our aim was to psychometrically test a composite measure. Methods: The scales for these variables in the Newly Licensed Registered Nurse Survey (NLRNS) and National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses were re-coded into a composite measure. Utilizing the 2016 NLRNS, we examined reliability and validity indexes. Results: Good internal consistency was demonstrated for the composite measure (α = .93) and the subscales of organizational commitment (α = .86) and intent to leave (α = .88). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a two-factor solution. Conclusions: Our new composite measure is psychometrically sound and can be utilized for future studies.