Jordanian nurses' job satisfaction and intention to quit

Purpose - This study aimed to identify factors that influenced job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and the intention of staff nurses to quit nursing in three Jordanian healthcare delivery sectors. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional design was used to answer the research aims. A purposive sample of 180 critical care nurses in three hospitals during 2007 was used. Nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic items, a job satisfaction survey, as well as a question eliciting the intention to quit. The authors used descriptive and inferential statistics, ANOVA, correlational, regression and post-hoc tests to analyze the data. Findings - The grand mean for satisfaction for all nurses was 3.44 (+/- 0.51) out of 6. They reported being highly satisfied with the item "I like the people I work with", and reported the least satisfaction with the item "I have too much to do at work". The mean value for nurses' intention to quit was 2.56 (+/- 0.89) out of 4, with 59 per cent reporting that they "Likely" or "Very Likely" intended to leave their workplace. The nurses' level of job satisfaction significantly predicted their intention to leave their workplace (F = 32.1, p < 0.001). Practical implications - The results can be used as a basis for decision making and future planning. Results also highlight the need to emphasize positive factors to enhance employees' satisfaction and to brainstorm solutions for improving job satisfaction and retaining nurses. Originality/value - The study addressed an important clinical concern at a time of sparse research literature in Jordan. The findings are noteworthy and important for the delivery of proper nursing care that would lead to improved health status for the society.