Job satisfaction and dissatisfaction amongst neonatal nurses

Abstract

This study was conducted against the background of the concerns expressed in the press about the difficulties in recruiting and retaining nurses and midwives who were trained and experienced in the field of neonatal nursing.

A small study (N = 50) was undertaken in one regional unit using semistructured interviews. The interview schedule covered a broad range of topics which were identified in the literature as exerting an influence on job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

A relationship between job satisfaction/dissatisfaction, staff turnover, and recruitment was demonstrated. Unfortunately the clinical regrading exercise had a complex effect, which could not be fully assessed within the narrow terms of reference of this study. Interstingly the majority of the respondents found their work stimulating and rewarding. However, the overriding factor which was said to exert a negative influence at work was the way their individual contribution to neonatal care was valued by senior medical and nursing/midwifery colleagues.