The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between type of nursing degree and job satisfaction. The framework for this study is an integration of models described by Taunton, Krampitz, and Woods (1989) and Weisman, Alexander, and Chase (1980) in their studies of retention and job satisfaction respectively. Job satisfaction is defined in this study as a multidimensional construct that involves nurses’ satisfaction with nursing supervision, image of nursing, wages, work activity and setting, patient care, and professional relationships. The major predictors of job satisfaction are individual characteristics, which include highest educational degree; task/job characteristics; and organizational characteristics. This study is a secondary analysis of data gathered from a cross-sectional survey of 2,174 Minnesota registered nurses by the Minnesota Department of Health in 2001. The sample is RNs who completed the survey and who have earned a diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree in nursing. Analysis of the data will use multiple regression to test the relationship between type of nursing degree and each dimension of job satisfaction while controlling for the effect of age. Job satisfaction is an important variable to study because it has been shown to predict intent to stay, and thus retention. Hospitals and organizations will use the information from this study to guide future staffing policies.
Session #1222 - Undergraduate Submissions
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)