A Correlational Study Of The Characteristic Values And Needs With Work Related Factors Among Registered Nurses (Aspiration, Job Satisfaction)

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were distinctive interpersonal characteristic values and personality needs which related to registered nurses as a group and, whether these characteristics differed within the categories of various work related factors. Procedures. A multistage cluster sampling procedure was used within a four county area in northern California. A random sample of staff-level nurses from five acute care hospitals provided data for this study. Dependent variables were derived from Gordon\u27s Survey of Interpersonal Values, Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, and a questionnaire devised and pre-tested by the researcher measuring the nurses\u27 level of job satisfaction and aspiration in nursing. Independent variables included demographic data which included work related factors. The t-test, Pearson product-moment correlation, one-way analysis of variance, Fisher\u27s L.S.D. multiple comparisons approach, and multiple regression analysis procedures were used to answer the research questions in this study. Findings. The sample group demonstrated significant correlations between job satisfaction scores and the interpersonal characteristic values of Conformity and Independence with Independence being negatively correlated. Significant positive correlations were noted between the nurses\u27 aspiration level in nursing and Leadership, Affiliation, Dominance, and Heterosexuality, whereas, negative correlations were noted with Independence, Deference, and Order. Diploma nurses scored higher than associate and baccalaureate degree nurses on Conformity and Order. Nurses employed within the categories of twelve years or more scored higher on Deference. Nurses who were employed less than twelve years scored higher on Heterosexuality. Results also indicated a significant relationship between the intensity level of the nurses\u27 work assignment and Heterosexuality. Recommendations. Development of a research instrument which is more specific to the assessment of critical elements associated with the nurses\u27 values and needs and employment factors is recommended. Although the variables measured by the instruments employed in this study were appropriate, it was a very time consuming process for the participants. Further research questions were generated from this study