Registered nurses' experiences on job satisfaction in nursing home settings

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Job satisfaction is a critical factor influencing retention and quality of care in nursing homes.
• Understanding the specific needs of registered nurses (RNs) in long-term care settings is essential for improving work environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe the key factors contributing to job satisfaction from the perspective of registered nurses working in nursing home settings.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing individual interviews.
• Data were collected from sixteen registered nurses employed in nursing homes.
• Systematic text condensation was used for the analysis of interview responses.

Main Results:

• Six core categories emerged: meaningfulness, control/manageability, work-life balance with professional development, supportive leadership, team competence/companionship, and professional self-confidence.
• Meaningfulness was identified as essential, linked to manageable demands and controllable workload.
• Supportive leadership and competent, companionate nursing teams significantly impacted job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Job satisfaction for nursing home RNs is strongly tied to experiencing work as meaningful and engaging.
• Manageable workload, a sense of control, and support from management and peers are vital for meaningful work.
• Conversely, overwhelming demands, lack of control, and inadequate support lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of meaninglessness.