Job Satisfaction Among Nurses and Its Relationship to Reflective Practice

This study was undertaken to explore job satisfaction among nurses and its relationship to reflective practice. It is a qualitative study that listens to the perspectives of 7 mental health nurses who work In a conmiunity hospital in southern Ontario. A pilot survey was conducted prior to the face-to-face interviews in order to develop meaningful questions to utilize in the interviews. Nurses participating in the study were ensured anonjnnlty and an opportunity to have their own personal perspectives heard. A convenient sample was obtained from the hospital in which the researcher worked as an educator and professional practice consultant. The concept ofjob satisfaction was found to be driven by the desire to do important work and to make a difference in patients ' lives. The nurses articulated that it is directly related to other factors, such as the opportunity to work in one's area, of preference, involvement in decision-making processes, better patient / staff ratios, and affordable, accessible continuing educational opportunities. Those nurses who have embraced reflective practice for many ycEirs seem to be able to sort out that which drives them to stay in nursing and that which will influence them to leave. The constrednts of the study cO-e that it is a smEdl qualitative study; therefore, the results are not generallzable. Reflection is integral to the practice of mental hesilth nursing £ind a tool that is used extensively in therapy with patients. Future research could involve stud5^g a different group of nurses who may be more task focused than mental health nurses. ii i-kJis =.;;.