Factors affecting job satisfaction among acute care nurses working in rural and urban settings

Aims

To: (a) identify the differences and similarities in the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that influence job satisfaction among nurses in urban and rural Ontario; and (b) determine the impact of job satisfaction on nurses’ turnover intention among nurses working in rural and urban settings in Ontario.

Design

Cross-sectional correlational design was used for this study.

Methods

Data were collected between May 2019–July 2019 in southern Ontario. Participants (N=349) completed the Acute Care Nurses’ Job Satisfaction Scale and The Anticipated Turnover Scale. A stratified sampling technique was used for recruiting the sample population and participants were given the option to respond either online or by mailed survey.

Results

There was no significant difference between rural and urban nurses in either overall job satisfaction level or turnover intention. Peer support/work conditions, quality of supervision, and achievement/job interest/responsibility were significant predictors of job satisfaction. There was a significant difference between rural and urban nurses in terms of satisfaction from benefits and job security and the nurses’ job satisfaction levels correlated negatively with their turnover intention.

Conclusion

Several extrinsic and intrinsic factors are associated with nurses’ job satisfaction in rural and urban settings. Developing strategies that improve satisfaction by modulating these specific factors may improve nurses’ job satisfaction and reduce turnover.

Impact

This study discussed how working in a rural or urban hospital may affect nurses’ job satisfaction and turnover intention. The findings can help in improving nurses’ job satisfaction and inform workforce planning to increase nurses’ retention.