Job Satisfaction and its Related Factors among Nurses in the Public Hospitals of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 2010

  Background and Objectives: Nurses are among the most influential human resources in health systems. Job satisfaction can increase efficiency of systems and commitment of employees to organizations. Identifying the effective factors on job satisfaction can help to increase job satisfaction and motivation of nurses to perform their tasks appropriately. This study was conducted to determine job satisfaction and its related factors among nurses working in the public hospitals of Zanjan.   Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 472 nurses from public hospitals at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences using stratified random sampling. Data gathering tools included a researcher–made questionnaire including 25 items in the areas of job security, management style, work environment, facilities, salary and benefits, self-concept and social image of nurses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test in the SPSS. Results: The job satisfaction among nurses was moderate (51.2±1.87). The highest mean score (62.2 ± 2.39) was related to the social prestige of the nursing profession in society. The lowest average scores were related to satisfaction with work and welfare (44.82 ±2.62), and rights and benefits (45.76±2.63), respectively. Conclusion: Facilities, working conditions, and salary and benefits were the most important factors affecting job satisfaction. It seems to be necessary to adjust the work hours, and shifts to enhance the quality of nursing care and nurse satisfaction