Professional satisfaction of nurses in light of selected factors of work environment

Abstract

The aim. The aim of the study was to gather opinions of professionally active nurses about selected factors of work environment, which determine professional satisfaction with regard to the kind of ward.

Material and method. The study included 149 nurses (both female and male) working at ten different wards of the University Hospital, Bydgoszcz. The diagnostic survey was used. Original questionnaire designed by the authors was the measurement tool used in the study. The study was conducted between February and May 2008.

Results and conclusions. Most nurses were middle aged. Fifty per cent had university degree. Almost ¾ of the respondents were not satisfied with their salary, and the salary was statistically different dependently on the ward. The atmosphere at work as an important determinant of professional satisfaction was indicated by 92% of the nurses . Statistically significant differences between the atmosphere at different wards were found. The kind of ward also significantly differentiated the assessment of stress the nurses experienced at work. Contacts with doctors, patients and direct supervisor, were the most stressful. High standard of equipment at the ward also significantly influenced the level of nurses’ professional satisfaction and it was statistically different with regard to the kind of ward. The main reason for which 36 nurses (n=149) decided to sign a contract was higher salary (90% of responses). The work environment, different at each ward, and also the salary, are important determinants of nurses’ professional satisfaction.