Ward atmosphere and psychiatric nurses' job satisfaction.

This study examined the relationship of psychiatric nurses' job satisfaction to perceived therapeutic climate on their wards. Job satisfaction was measured with the Employee Attitude Survey published by Science Research Associates. Therapeutic climate was measured by Moos' Ward Atmosphere Scale. Wards were rated as the nurses perceived them (Real) and as they thought they should be (Ideal). Job Satisfaction scores were correlated with Ward Atmosphere Real and Ideal-Real discrepancy scores. The perceived degree of Practical Orientation was strongly related to nurse morale. Program Clarity, Order and Organization, Support, and Involvement were also notably related. A similar pattern of relationship was found between morale and Ward Atmosphere Ideal-Real discrepancies. As would be expected, System Maintenance factors were important to the nurses but so too were Therapeutic and Communication dimensions reflecting a balanced view of nursing care.