Abstract:
This study was undertaken to explore job satisfaction among
nurses and its relationship to reflective practice. It is a qualitative study
that listens to the perspectives of 7 mental health nurses who work In a
conmiunity hospital in southern Ontario. A pilot survey was conducted
prior to the face-to -face interviews in order to develop meaningful
questions to utilize in the interviews.
Nurses participating in the study were ensured anonjnnlty and an
opportunity to have their own personal perspectives heard. A convenient
sample was obtained from the hospital in which the researcher worked as
an educator and professional practice consultant.
The concept of job satisfaction was found to be driven by the desire
to do important work and to make a difference in patients' lives. The
nurses articulated that it is directly related to other factors, such as the
opportunity to work in one's area, of preference, involvement in decisionmaking
processes, better patient/ staff ratios, and affordable, accessible
continuing educational opportunities. Those nurses who have embraced
reflective practice for many years seem to be able to sort out that which
drives them to stay in nursing and that which will influence them to
leave.
The constraints of the study cO-e that it is a small qualitative
study; therefore, the results are not generallzable. Reflection is integral
to the practice of mental heallth nursing find a tool that is used
extensively in therapy with patients. Future research could involve
studing a different group of nurses who may be more task focused than
mental health nurses.
