Job Satisfaction Among Blood Center Nurses Based on the Job Crafting Model: A Mixed Methods Study

Job satisfaction among blood center nurses is suboptimal due to challenging working conditions, characterized by unexpected tasks resulting from sudden schedule changes and frequent weekend shifts. This study aimed to quantitatively examine the relationships among job stress, psychological capital, person-job fit, job crafting, and job satisfaction, based on the job crafting model. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through mixed methods to gain a better understanding of the experiences related to job satisfaction among blood center nurses.

A convergent mixed methods research design was employed to simultaneously collect quantitative and qualitative data and to integrate the findings from both analyses. A total of 127 full-time nurses who had completed at least a three-month probationary period at blood centers participated in the study. Participants were recruited from three blood centers operated by the Korean Red Cross in three metropolitan cities. The survey included open-ended qualitative questions and five quantitative measures covering job satisfaction, job stress, psychological capital, person-job fit, and job crafting. The data collection occurred from September to October 2022.

Regression analysis identified key factors influencing job satisfaction as person-job fit, job stress, psychological capital, and marital status, explaining 80% of the variance. Qualitative analysis of the open-ended responses showed five main themes: "deriving fulfillment from work," "challenges encountered at work," "driving forces behind positive outcomes," "congruence between individual's traits and job requirements," and "efforts to perform meaningful work."

The findings suggest the need for developing an employee assistance program and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing job satisfaction among blood center nurses. These should focus on improving person-job fit, managing stress, aiding with emotional labor, and bolstering psychological capital.