The purpose of this longitudinal research study is to describe new graduate nurse perceptions of the work environment and job satisfaction in the first eighteen months of employment at a Magnet designated Midwestern urban academic pediatric medical center. The theoretical framework for the study was drawn from Marlene Kramer’s classic research on “reality shock,” job satisfaction and organizational commitment and Magnet hospital research. The sample size consisted of 84 new graduate nurses hired over one year. Data collection began in September 2001 and concluded in March 2004. The study tool was developed by the authors and was comprised of demographic fill-in- blanks, a Likert-type scale seeking degree of agreement for 21 statements, and four open-ended questions. The survey was mailed at three, six, 12, and 18 months which corresponded with the new graduate nurses’ time in the job. The return rates varied between 48-76%. Tool face validity and test-retest reliability measures were determined. The findings showed that all 21 tool items had a positive means by 18 months of employment and several items had a statistically significant greater positive mean over time. Findings suggested that the orientation assisted the new graduates in becoming confident in their clinical competence and they were satisfied with work environment areas including understanding leadership expectations, having information to perform the job effectively, having input used to address unit issues, feeling professional contributions are valued, feeling respected by physicians and being able to participate in professional development. Dissatisfaction with work schedules emerged at 12 months but later improved by 18 months. The findings suggest that the new graduate nurse’s career adjustment extends beyond mastering clinical skills and includes a lifestyle adjustment. Nursing leaders can support new graduates with mentoring strategies and scheduling policies that give nurses hope for improving life-work balance. Longitudinal satisfaction studies help nursing leaders pinpoint sources of professional fulfillment and frustration and make decisions to improve new nurse job and career satisfaction.
Session #1202 - Professional Nursing Practice
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)