Effects of spirituality on job satisfaction for clinical laboratory science professionals

As with many healthcare professions, clinical laboratory scientists are facing critical staff shortages nationwide. Lack of students enrolling in clinical laboratory science programs and attrition are contributing to the shortages. In an effort to find intrinsic factors that enhance job satisfaction, this study examined the degree to which spirituality and job satisfaction are related among clinical laboratory science professionals. The relationship was examined by the combined use of the Spirituality Assessment Scale © and the Job Diagnostic Survey®. The combined use of these tools provided a descriptive as well as a quantitative, correlational approach. Clinical laboratory science professionals working within the intermountain region of the United States were asked to participate in the research. Statistical analysis revealed an inability to perform a correlation analysis, so a structured equation model (SEM) using LISREL was developed. The model was based on the variables identified during factor analysis. The SEM revealed significant direct relationship between the variables of prayer/mediation and job satisfaction (T = 4.00) and a significant indirect relationship between the variables of prayer/mediation—personal growth—job satisfaction (T = 2.36 − T = 5.35).