Career commitment and professional satisfaction among Romanian pharmacy graduates: a nationwide cross-sectional...

Professional satisfaction is a key determinant of career commitment and workforce sustainability and retention in the pharmacy sector. The study examines professional satisfaction among Romanian pharmacy graduates by analysing hygiene factors, intrinsic motivators, and perceptions of pay equity, assessing sector-based differences and exploring associations between these dimensions and long-term career commitment.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 473 pharmacy graduates (2009-2023). Professional satisfaction was evaluated using 13 structured items from a questionnaire that covered hygiene factors, intrinsic motivators, and perceptions of pay equity. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach's α. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were applied.

The Hygiene Index (α = 0.67; M = 3.28, SD = 0.76) and Motivators Index (α = 0.80; M = 3.22, SD = 0.86) reflected moderate satisfaction. The Pay-Equity Index showed very low scores (α = 0.77; M = 1.86, SD = 0.70). Salary satisfaction (M = 2.22, SD = 1.23) and expectations for future salary increases (M = 2.21, SD = 1.06) were rated as the lowest. Over 80% perceived their income as "much lower" than that of physicians or dentists. Only 7% stated they would "definitely" choose pharmacy again, while 46% responded "definitely not," and over 70% expressed some degree of non-recommitment. Community pharmacists consistently reported lower satisfaction across indices compared to peers in industry or education.

Romanian pharmacists report moderate satisfaction with work conditions and collegiality, but widespread dissatisfaction with pay equity and career opportunities. Alarmingly, almost three-quarters of pharmacists said they would not choose pharmacy again, indicating a lack of professional commitment. The results raise substantial concerns about professional commitment and suggest a risk to the long-term sustainability of the Romanian pharmacy workforce. Urgent policy interventions are needed to address salary disparities, improve recognition, and expand career development pathways to retain qualified professionals and ensure the resilience of pharmaceutical services.