JOB SATISFACTION AND TURNOVER OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS.
Contributors: University of Pittsburgh.
Published: 1993
Number of pages: 112
Subjects: Health Sciences, Health Care Management.; Health Sciences, Nursing.; Education, Vocational.; Psychology, Industrial.
Description: The intent of this study was to examine specific factors of work and the work environment of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), to determine the importance of these factors to satisfaction with the job, and to discover the impact of the factors on the decision to change jobs. This knowledge would help department managers maintain a more stable staff to promote quality improvement, reduce turnover expense, and facilitate long-range planning.

A mailed survey of 350 active, practicing CRNAs, nationally selected at random, obtained a response rate of 46%. Respondents completed questions on factors unique to anesthesia departments, and also a widely published, validated, measure of employee satisfaction, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Analysis of the results indicated that, compared to populations of general duty and supervisor nurses, CRNAs reported less satisfaction with supervision, implementation of policies and procedures, and co-workers. Similar to the other nurses, CRNAs reported most satisfaction with moral values, social service, ability utilization and achievement. Specified as highly important to satisfaction, but least satisfying in their profession, was respect and recognition. General satisfaction with their jobs was described as much lower than the other nurses surveyed.

There was no difference in general job satisfaction between the anesthetists who had changed jobs since 1987 and those who remained five years or more. Those who stayed reported more satisfaction with authority, supervision, autonomy, and company policies, primarily intrinsic factors. CRNAs in new jobs were more satisfied with extrinsic factors of compensation, co-workers, and recognition.

Neither family living in the community nor a spouse's job relocation significantly influenced the anesthetist's decision to change jobs. They were not persuaded to remain or leave a position because of the church-relatedness of the institution.

These results suggest that more attention to intrinsic job "satisfiers" may reduce turnover in anesthesia departments.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-06, Section: B, page: 2977.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, 1993.

School code: 0178.