The Factors of Job Satisfaction Among the Nurses in Emergency Department: The Saudi Arabian Context

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: Saudi Arabia has been experiencing a chronic shortage of healthcare nurses because of high employee turnover. Although effort has been made to address the challenge, nurse shortage continues to persist and it is highly likely that it will continue due to the ageing population, the low enrolment rate into the nursing profession due to strict admission criteria, poor nursing image, excessive workload among nurses, and long working hours among other challenges. As a way of addressing some of these challenges, the current study explores, analyses, and identifies the factors that lead to a low job satisfaction among nurses who work in the ED (Emergency Department) in the public hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted at Asir Central Hospital (ACH).

Research Method: This study has employed a quantitative research method that collected data online from 267 registered nurses working in Asir Central Hospital’ emergency department. The data was then analysed quantitatively using Likert-scale.

Findings: The current study has found that job satisfaction score among the nurses of the ACH is 3.33, which is more than 3 in the 5-point Likert scale. Therefore, the study shows that nurses who work in the ED in the ACH are moderately satisfied with their jobs. This research shows that the availability of resources has the highest level of influence on job satisfaction. The second-ranked job satisfaction determinant is the work itself, which is followed by social relationships and communications, relationships with management, autonomy and scheduling in working conditions and extrinsic rewards. This study has also found that gender and education levels do not have any impact on the determinants of job satisfaction, while age affects the determinants of job satisfaction. Originality/Value: The outcomes of this study can guide managers in the health sector in Saudi Arabia to address the chronic shortage of nurses in the country.

Conclusion: The job satisfaction of the nurses cannot be detected from the managers’ perspective, which necessitates a regular assessment of job satisfaction internally. Since extrinsic rewards have less influence on nurses’ overall job satisfaction, the management needs to focus more on working conditions and the availability of resources to perform the tasks.