Job Satisfaction Analysis of Nurses, who Work in Neurology and Neurosurgery Units

Abstract

Introduction. Satisfaction, facing problems and motivation are currently strategic points to be analysed in terms of nurses’ work. All positive or negative perceptions and attitudes towards work translate into commitment, identity creation, turnover and also status. The fit between the individual and the organisation draws attention. Both the complementary and supplementary dimensions show to what extent the employee’s needs are met and whether the recognised values of the two groups are the same. For the employee, this translates into identification with the workplace. A high degree of fit influences the status of the workplace, the involvement of employees in the tasks at hand increasing their quality. On the other hand, the existence of mismatches generates bad interpersonal relations, inappropriate division of responsibilities, loss of trust, and leads to conflicts. Aim. Comparative analysis of changes in the context of sense of job satisfaction of nurses working in neurological and neurosurgical wards in the Silesian province over the last decade. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2022 among nurses working in neurological and neurosurgical wards of the N.M.P. Regional Specialist Hospital in Częstochowa and the Prof. K. Gibiński University Medical Centre in Katowice. The study used an original questionnaire containing 61 questions on various aspects of the work performed. Results. Among the respondents, the predominant age group is over 51 years old with a master’s degree, whereas in the earlier survey it was 31–40 years old with a secondary vocational education. The survey showed that 33% more respondents felt that their job involved a lot of physical exertion. The percentage of those able to cope with complex mental tasks has decreased significantly, the percentage of nurses who are overburdened with too many tasks has increased, 75% of them notice the impact of work on family life. Professional qualifications are being improved by 40% more of those surveyed than ten years ago, but 29% are attending fewer conferences and training courses, and 24% are introducing innovations into their workplace less than in 2012. A sense of meaningfulness and usefulness of the tasks performed at work is shared by 66% of respondents, previously 91% in 2012. The impact of the ward’s equipment on the work performed is now noted by 70% more nurses, and is considered by 66% of respondents as a factor giving greater job satisfaction, a decade ago it was 86% of respondents. Nursing staffing is considered sufficient by 34% more respondents than the previous survey showed. Far fewer respondents now perceive the impact of aggressive patient behaviour on their work. The percentage of respondents noticing conflicts with doctors increased by 72%. 77% more respondents feel they are treated fairly by their superiors than a decade ago. Low social prestige of the profession is noticed by only 6% of nurses. Conclusions. Nurses do not feel satisfaction with their work, even though they see a sense of purpose in the activities they undertake. This means that their need for development has been disrupted by low motivation both socially and economically, a sense of being undervalued and insufficient identification with the workplace. Most of the same people took part in the current survey as ten years ago, their attitude to their work has changed dramatically. Nurses are coping less well with their tasks. The work is associated with too much physical and mental strain. Relationships between nurses and patients and between nurses and other team members have changed. Nursing staffing in neurological and neurosurgical wards, where patients with severe conditions are often hospitalised, is insufficient. (JNNN 2022;11(3):114–123)