Surviving managed care: the effect on job satisfaction in hospital-based nursing.

Major changes brought about by managed care have redefined the nursing profession. Current trends such as case management, downsizing, restructuring of the workforce, and changes in the patient profile have had numerous effects, particularly on job satisfaction among hospital-based nurses. Strategies to improve job satisfaction during this era of increased managed care penetration include enhanced communication mechanisms, support from hospital administration, implementation of care models that promote professional nursing practice, adequate staffing, and competitive salaries and benefits.