Nurses' satisfaction with nursing care and work at three care units for severely demented people

The aim of this study is to investigate the degree of job satisfaction, burnout and strain among nurses (n = 134) working in three care units for demented people in southern Sweden. Three questionnaires were used: the Maslach burnout inventory (MBI), the work-related strain inventory (WRSI), and a recently developed measure for assessing job satisfaction. Based on principal component analysis, an eight-factor job satisfaction scale was chosen. Nurses in general were found to be satisfied, with registered nurses (RNs) being most satisfied with their work and the nursing care provided. The nurses in one of the care units were more satisfied than the nurses on the other two. The MBI and WRSI results showed a low degree of burnout and work-related strain and there was little difference between the care units or the categories of nurses. Job satisfaction scores were relatively independent from the MBI and WRSI scores. However, scores from these two inventories of burnout and strain at work were positively correlated. The results of the questionnaires seem to indicate that positive work experience and negative experience are not opposites. This particular method of evaluating job satisfaction needs further development. However, it seems important to include one specific measure for job satisfaction when action is taken in connection with the working situation of nurses.