Job Satisfaction and Work-Related Quality of Life Among School and Clinical Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Job satisfaction and work-related quality of life (WRQoL) are essential determinants of nurses' well-being, performance, and retention. Differences between school and clinical nursing environments may influence these outcomes, yet comparative evidence from Greece remains limited. This study aimed to assess and compare job satisfaction and WRQoL among school and clinical nurses and identify factors associated with professional well-being and turnover intention. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 among 165 nurses employed in Greek public hospitals and schools. Data were collected using demographic questions, the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and the Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. Results: Moderate levels of job satisfaction (M = 125.10) and WRQoL (M = 75.27) were observed overall. School nurses reported significantly higher scores in both job satisfaction and WRQoL compared to clinical nurses (p < 0.001). Clinical nurses expressed a greater intention to transition to school nursing. Lowest satisfaction levels were related to salary, promotion, and fringe benefits, while supervision, coworkers, and nature of work scored highest. Strong positive correlations were found between job satisfaction and WRQoL dimensions. Regression analysis indicated that general well-being, job and career satisfaction, and working conditions significantly predicted job satisfaction, explaining 54.7% of its variance. Conclusions: Professional well-being among nurses is primarily shaped by workplace conditions rather than demographic factors. Interventions focused on improving compensation, career progression, and work environments are critical for enhancing job satisfaction and sustaining the nursing workforce.