| Over the next several years the aging population will increase the number of patients suffering from chronic illness. A sicker aging population, coupled with changes in healthcare reimbursement will require nursing homes to admit sicker patients for shorter lengths of stays. To meet the needs of the increased number of chronic patients and those patients with higher acuities, nursing homes will require more skilled, registered nurses. Registered nurses (RNs) are the linchpin to providing high-quality care in the healthcare environment and especially in nursing homes.;Understanding the factors of RN job satisfaction in the nursing home is important in increasing job satisfaction, decreasing RN turnover, and improving quality of care. The purpose of this study was to 1) Identify factors that contribute to job satisfaction for RNs working in Genesis nursing homes in the Northeast, 2) determine the overall job satisfaction levels of nursing home RNs working for Genesis in the Northeast. A descriptive, comparative, cross sectional study was conducted to gather quantitative data (survey) describing RN job satisfaction in eight domains. Five hundred forty nine RNs from eight states and one hundred sixty nine nursing homes met the inclusion criteria of the study.;Study results revealed that RNs were most satisfied with standards of care and personal satisfaction in nursing homes. They were least satisfied with pay, training and workload. The Mid-Atlantic RNs were significantly more satisfied than New England RNs with standards of care (p=<.024) and workload (p=<.019). New Jersey RNs were significantly more satisfied than Pennsylvania RNs with professional support (p=<.045), personal satisfaction (p=<.012), training (p=<.000) and overall job satisfaction (p=<.010). Not surprising, there were significant differences in job satisfaction based on job title, educational level, shift, type of unit, work status, length of service and years practicing as an RN.;This study lends support to the position that continued staff reassessment and investment in staff development is key to the management of cost effective and efficient nursing home care especially as the need for RNs in nursing homes is expected to increase. |
