Canadian public health nurses' job satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to test the applicability of using a standardized questionnaire for measuring public health nurse (PHN) job satisfaction and to determine whether or not scores changed over 30 months. The importance of establishing a method for ongoing measurement of PHN job satisfaction was underscored by changing directions in practice and an emphasis on building public health capacity.


METHODS
A 30-month interval, repeated measures descriptive survey design was used.


METHODS
A randomly selected sample of 87 PHNs employed within 1 Canadian regional health authority participated.


METHODS
The survey questionnaire, the Index of Worklife Satisfaction, was designed to measure the importance of and satisfaction with 6 components of job satisfaction.


RESULTS
Pay and autonomy were the most important components; the order of the 4 remaining components changed from first to second surveys. Professional status, autonomy, and interaction were the most satisfying components; PHN satisfaction with professional status and interaction improved significantly over 30 months. A majority of subjects reported that direct client care/client response/making a difference were worklife aspects providing them with most satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
A valid, reliable questionnaire suitable for ongoing measurement was tested with PHNs, and baseline levels of their job satisfaction were established.
Best
Maureen F
MF
Child and Youth Community Health Services, Calgary Health Region, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. maureen.best@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Thurston
Norma E
NE