Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration, DHA

School

Health Services

Advisor

Robert E. Hoye

Abstract

Researchers have predicted that by 2020 the United States will experience a severe shortage of registered nurses. The purpose of this correlation study, using the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses 2008, was to investigate the relationship between nurse job satisfaction and its effect on nurse retention nationwide. Secondary data sets from the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses and examining relationships between the variable of nurse retention and job satisfaction. Bivariate (correlation coefficient, chi squares, and simple linear regression) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses identified and connected associations and examined measurement levels between the dependent and independent variables, including correlation coefficient (r), alpha values, and confidence intervals. Significant inverse relationships, although weak, were found between nurses' age and their job satisfaction level and between the numbers of years since nurses graduated from an initial RN education program and their job satisfaction. In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between the nurses' highest education level and their job satisfaction. The ordinal regression results showed nurses' age, education, and years practicing since earning the RN were significant predictors of job satisfaction, although other factors might explain changes in satisfaction levels. This study will help bring social change to the health care industry by increasing understanding of what many nurses believe to be important within the nursing field, which could help health care facilities retain qualified nurses. Specifically, the results could help community hospital leaders find innovative ways to support nurses and increase nurse retention in small rural hospitals.

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