Perceptions of job satisfaction and the regulatory environment among nurse aides and charge nurses in long-term care.
OBJECTIVE
To explore perceptions about job satisfaction and the regulatory environment among certified nurse aides (CNAs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in selected nursing homes in West Texas.


BACKGROUND
As long-term care nurse leaders struggle with maintaining an adequate, well-trained workforce, clarifying factors that affect job satisfaction and turnover is essential. Studies have identified several factors that contribute to job dissatisfaction and turnover, but the extent to which the regulatory environment contributes is unknown.


METHODS
The study used a qualitative research design with one-on-one semistructured interviews conducted with 38 participants employed as CNAs or LVNs in 1 of 5 nursing homes located in West Texas.


RESULTS
Participants acknowledged that regulations pervade their daily work and accept regulatory oversight as necessary for providing good care. However, participants expressed concern that the presence of the surveyors in the facility often created a tense, almost adversarial atmosphere. Other reasons for job dissatisfaction included excessive paperwork, ineffective communication, frequent deaths, combative and uncooperative residents, and inadequate staffing.


CONCLUSIONS
Strategies are suggested to improve the survey process, address care-related stressors, promote positive communication techniques, reduce paperwork inefficiencies, and reduce staff shortages.
Cherry
Barbara
B
Department of Leadership Studies, Texas School of Nursing, Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.
Ashcraft
Alyce
A
Owen
Donna
D
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004282:Documentation; D005161:Facility Regulation and Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007587:Job Description; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000458:organization & administration; D016272:Occupational Health; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D013996:Time and Motion Studies