Association between perceived overqualification, work engagement, job satisfaction among nurses: a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Organizational Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Perceived overqualification among nurses can impact their professional experience and engagement.
• Understanding the relationship between overqualification, work engagement, and job satisfaction is vital for healthcare management.
• Previous research has explored factors influencing nurse job satisfaction, but the mediating role of work engagement in perceived overqualification requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between nurses' perceived overqualification and their work engagement.
• To investigate the effects of perceived overqualification and work engagement on nurses' job satisfaction.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for hospital management policies aimed at enhancing nurses' job satisfaction and engagement.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in a public tertiary hospital in China.
• 584 nurses participated, completing validated scales for perceived overqualification, work engagement, and job satisfaction.
• Path analysis was used to determine direct and indirect effects and the mediating role of work engagement.

Main Results:

• Perceived overqualification was negatively correlated with both work engagement (r=-0.562) and job satisfaction (r=-0.674).
• Work engagement was positively correlated with job satisfaction (r=0.519).
• Perceived overqualification directly and indirectly affected job satisfaction, with work engagement partially mediating this relationship.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' perception of overqualification significantly impacts their work engagement and job satisfaction.
• Hospital administrators should address nurses' feelings of overqualification and focus on enhancing work engagement to improve job satisfaction.
• Strategies such as providing career development, feedback mechanisms, and work-life balance are recommended to boost nurses' engagement and satisfaction.