Registered nurses' job satisfaction in navy hospitals

Abstract

Because of the increasing use of civilian registered nurses to supplement the nursing staff at U.S. Navy hospitals, it is imperative to understand the factors that influence satisfaction in both Navy and civilian nurses in military hospitals. This study sought to expand knowledge of satisfaction in hospital-based active duty Navy registered nurses and federal civilian nurses. Respondents completed a survey with a response rate of 42% (N = 496). The survey was designed using well-known satisfaction models and included measures of work attitudes, work setting, and demographic characteristics. Linear regression models explained 51 % of the variance in job satisfaction for Navy nurses and 55% for civilian nurses. Routinization had the strongest significant negative association with job satisfaction for Navy and civilian nurses. Supervisor support was significantly associated with satisfaction for Navy nurses although coworker support was a significant factor for civilians. These findings have implications for nurse administrators and health care executives who desire to retain nurse employees. Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2009.