Identification of Critical Variables and Critical Gap Variables in Hospital Nurses' Job Satisfaction During the...

This study aims to analyze the critical variables and gap variables affecting hospital nurses' job satisfaction and propose improvement strategies based on the knowledge domains of nursing decision-makers.

This study, conducted between September and October 2022 during the dynamic adjustment phase of COVID-19 prevention and control in China, was based on the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS) and developed a hybrid machine learning and decision analysis tool model. The random forest (RF) method was used to estimate the importance of each variable in the data, and the importance-performance analysis (IPA) was used to identify critical gap variables and propose improvement strategies.

The RF analysis (OOB error rate = 17.93%) identified "Decision-making" (C₃₀, importance score = 0.053) and "Control-work conditions" (C₂₉, importance score = 0.067) as the most influential factors (critical variables) in determining nurses' job satisfaction. The IPA analysis identified C₃₀ as the most critical gap variable, indicating a significant need to improve nurses' involvement in hospital decision-making processes.

To improve nurse job satisfaction and retention, hospital decision-makers and nursing departments should implement policies that enhance nurses' involvement in decision-making, particularly those with experience in pandemic-related healthcare challenges. Addressing these factors could foster a more supportive and resilient nursing work environment.