The relationship between nursing leadership and nurses' job satisfaction in Canadian oncology work environments.
BACKGROUND
Current Canadian oncology work environments are challenged by the same workforce statistics as other nursing specialties: nurses are among the most overworked, stressed and sick workers, and more than 8% of the nursing workforce is absent each week due to illness.


OBJECTIVE
To develop and estimate a theoretical model of work environment factors affecting oncology nurses' job satisfaction.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 515 registered nurses working in oncology settings across Canada. The theoretical model was tested as a structural equation model using LISREL 8.54.


RESULTS
The final model fitted the data acceptably (chi(2) = 58.0, d.f. = 44, P = 0.08). Relational leadership and physician/nurse relationships significantly influenced opportunities for staff development, RN staffing adequacy, nurse autonomy, participation in policy decisions, support for innovative ideas and supervisor support in managing conflict, which in turn increased nurses' job satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that relational leadership and positive relationships among nurses, managers and physicians play an important role in quality oncology nursing environments and nurses' job satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nursing work environments can be improved by focusing on modifiable factors such as leadership, staff development and staffing resources, leading to better job satisfaction and hopefully retention of nurses.
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. greta.cummings@ualberta.ca
Greta G
GG
Cummings
Karin
K
Olson
Leslie
L
Hayduk
Debra
D
Bakker
Margaret
M
Fitch
Esther
E
Green
Lorna
L
Butler
Michael
M
Conlon
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D019555:Physician-Nurse Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012931:Social Environment; D017132:Workplace