Job satisfaction of Saudi nurses working in Saudi Arabian public hospitals

This research study explored the factors that positively influence job satisfaction levels of Saudi national nurses working in three main public hospitals in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. A mixed-method , descriptive, explorative cross-sectional design was employed Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in two phases. In the first phase 272 Saudi nurses were surveyed to identify factors they believed led to their job satisfaction. The second phase consisted of face-to-face interviews with 17 Saudi nurses to explore and identify in greater depth the factors they perceived as most important in providing them positive feelings about their jobs leading to their job satisfaction. Quantitative data were analysed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, V18.0); descriptive and inferential statistical tests were utilised. Qualitative data were analysed with a thematic approach, using NVivo 9® qualitative analysis software.<br><br>The findings of this study indicate that in general Saudi nurses working in public hospitals were not satisfied with their jobs. The female Saudi nurses were more dissatisfied with their jobs than the male nurses. Nurses who were responsible for dependent adults and who had worked in public hospitals for a period of 5–10 years were mostly dissatisfied with their jobs as well as those nurses who have worked for a period 4–10 years. The study suggests the need for interventions to assist in reducing job stress and maintaining a high level of job satisfaction by decreasing work overload, and improving leadership styles, that are antecedents to job dissatisfaction. Whilst increasing the number of Saudi nationals who study nursing will also alleviate the shortage of nurses and help to bring stability to the nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia. Which will lead to efficient functioning of the healthcare system, especially in the public hospitals. These findings and recommendations might assist in informing the decisions of Saudi policymakers and assist them in developing long-term sustainable strategies to recruit and retain national nurses to service the Saudi healthcare delivery system.<br><br>