Development of a scale measuring the job satisfaction of Japanese hospital nurses.

AIM

This study attempts to develop a scale measuring job satisfaction in Japanese hospital nurses.

METHODS

The authors developed items for a new scale measuring job satisfaction and determined the scale's internal and external validity. Based on this analysis, the authors then modified the scale after conducting two surveys. In Survey 1, the scale was tested on 600 nurses from two hospitals and items were selected based on item and factor analyses. In Survey 2, items were further refined based on responses from 800 nurses from four hospitals. Using these responses, the authors determined the reliability and validity of the scale.

RESULTS

A 37 item job satisfaction scale was developed through examination of internal and external validity and based on the results of item analysis. Through factor analysis, four factors - "positive emotions toward work", "appropriate support from superiors", "perceived significance in the workplace", and "pleasant working environment" - and 28 items were extracted. The cumulative contribution rate was 43.9%. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.91. The correlations found between sense of satisfaction with work, burnout, and self-esteem supported the scale's concurrent and construct validity.

CONCLUSION

The authors were successful in developing a scale measuring hospital nurses' job satisfaction. The surveys conducted using this scale identified factors associated with work achievement and capability development, including "positive emotions toward work" and "perceived significance in the workplace", neither of which have been covered by existing scales.