Nurses’ perceptions of their professional practice environment in relation to job satisfaction: a review of quantitative studies

Aims: This systematic review aims at exploring the impact of the professional practice environment on nurses’ job satisfaction. Background: A growing body of research has documented an association between the quality of nursing professional practice environments and nurse satisfaction, patient satisfaction and quality of care. Method: Fourteen studies were identified through a systematic search of the literature. Eligibility criteria included only quantitative studies that examined factors correlating the nursing professional practice environment and job satisfaction. Quality assessments were completed on all studies according to predefined criteria. Data extraction and analysis of the studies examined revealed three main areas: correlations of the professional practice environment and nurses’ job satisfaction; resource adequacy; and quality of care. Results: The results document evidence of the effect of Professional Practice Environment (PPE) on job satisfaction, burnout and intention to leave. The PPE was correlated to the nurses’ ratings of the quality of nursing care. Nurse staffing levels and nurse-physician relations were also correlated with job satisfaction. Conclusions: Hospital officials and decision makers need to work towards the implementation of a Positive Professional Environment so that the professionals’ job satisfaction is secured at the highest possible level, particularly in this current and worsening world financial crisis.