Job satisfaction of nursing service paraprofessionals.

Abstract

Job satisfaction of nursing service paraprofessionals employed in a mental hospital was investigated in this Particular study. Differences relative to both gender and differentiated years of employment and job satisfaction were examined. A stratified sample of eighty subjects participated in this study and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was the instrument utilized in the evaluation of job satisfaction. The results of the statistical analysis, the two-way between subjects analysis of variance, revealed there were no significant differences in job satisfaction relative to gender (between males and females) for nursing service paraprofessionals employed in a mental hospital. The null hypotheses which pertained to differentiated years of employment were rejected at the .05 level of significance for intrinsic satisfaction and at the .01 level of significance for both the extrinsic and general satisfaction factors. Both male and female employees with ten or more years tenure expressed a significantly higher level of satisfaction in comparison to the male and female groups with five or less years employment. The relatively higher level of satisfaction was attributed to differentiated years of employment irrespective of gender. The findings of the study were also examined for contributing factors. The individual job component aspects were considered in relationship to job satisfaction. Relatively uniform and consistent patterns emerged. Relatively higher levels of satisfaction were expressed for altruistic factors (social service, moral values, and coworkers). Relatively lower levels of satisfaction were expressed for managerial factors (company policies and practices, compensation, and advancement) by the various subgroups in the sample. Recommendations for further research were proposed. Participative management and job enrichment were considered for improved job satisfaction. Withdrawal movements, job performance, and job expectations were considered as other areas for further investigation in the assessment of job satisfaction and nursing service paraprofessionals employed in mental hospitals.