Job Satisfaction of Nursing Managers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to research levels of job satisfaction, factors affecting job satisfaction/dissatisfaction, and ways to improve job satisfaction among nursing managers. The purposes of the study were to extend knowledge in the field of healthcare management, to raise awareness about factors that affect job satisfaction in nursing management career, and to provide suggestions regarding how to increase job satisfaction among nursing managers. The method of this study is literature review. Twelve (n=12) articles dated 2004-2014 were selected from CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed, Academic Search Elite (EBSCO), OVID, Elsevier Science Direct, and by manual search. The studies investigated only nursing managers’ perceptions of job satisfaction. The study revealed overall moderate levels of job satisfaction among nursing managers with slight variations across different levels of management and depending on geographical location. Factors affecting job satisfaction/dissatisfaction of nursing managers were determined and sorted in six groups: working conditions, support, opportunities for professional development, autonomy and decision-making, power, and stress. Job satisfaction of nursing managers can be improved by ensuring safe and enabling working environment, reduction of workload, span of control, and stress, providing access to resources, power, and information, implementing a co-management model, giving opportunities for professional and educational development, and promoting autonomy and decision-making. The results of the study may benefit to the nursing students who are interested in pursuing career in nursing management and to healthcare organizations that can utilize the suggestions regarding improvement of job satisfaction among nursing managers presented in the research.