Job satisfaction and resilience among psychiatric nurses – A study in the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore

Abstract

Introduction The widespread nursing shortage and nurses' high turnover rate has become a global issue. Job satisfaction ranks highly as one of the main factors influencing turnover rates among nurses. Mental health nursing has been reported to be a particularly stressful specialty, yet little is known about the level of job satisfaction among psychiatric nurses in Singapore. Resilience is defined as a means of adapting to stress at the workplace, and may serve as a factor influencing job satisfaction. Objectives/Aims This study aimed to explore the current level of job satisfaction in psychiatric nurses working in the only tertiary psychiatric institution in Singapore, the influencing factors, and the relationship between resilience and job satisfaction. Results of the study would enable the hospital to develop work programmes for improvement. Methods A survey questionnaire consisting of the following was administered to all eligible nurses working in the Institute of Mental Health between the period of 16–24 December 2014: the McCloskey & Mueller Satisfaction Scale, the Resilience Scale™, socio-demographic data form. Results A total of 874 nurses were eligible for the study, and a total of 748 nurses responded, totalling 85.6% response. A mean satisfaction score of 95.21 and mean resilience score of 125.74 were obtained. Mean satisfaction and resilience scores were the highest for nurses with longer working experience and those of older age group. A positive and significant association between satisfaction and resilience scores ( P 0.001) was obtained. Conclusion Psychiatric nurses in Singapore are generally satisfied with their job but this can be further improved with strengthening of personal resilience.