Job satisfaction as a matter of time, team, and trust: A qualitative study of hospital nurses’ experiences

Abstract

Support and variety regarding work, autonomy, organizational constraints, and promotion opportunities are factors contributing to job satisfaction or lack thereof among hospital nurses together with self-perceived health, education and career orientation. The aim of this study was to explore public hospital nurses’ experiences of job satisfaction. This qualitative study was undertaken in a caring theory context. Ten proficient Danish hospital nurses were interviewed twice and data were analysed using a hermeneutic approach. The analysis revealed that time, team, and trust were essential components in job satisfaction. Time, team and trust helped the nurses collaborate with patients, care for relatives, and work in teams with other hospital staff members. Lack of job satisfaction occurred when time was to short or quality care was threatened, when the nurses felt alone and had to finish their job in a hurry, or when they perceived distrust from others about the care they provided. One one hand, these subject matters gave staff nurses a feeling of autonomy and helped strengthen their proficiency. Thus, the nurses could provide fundamental patient care in a timely and knowledgeable manner. On the other hand, lack of any of the three Ts threatened not only job satisfaction, but also patient care and nurse retainment.