Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Nursing

Supervisor

Dr. Heather Laschinger

Abstract

Reports indicate that new graduate nurses (NGNs) are experiencing stressful work environments, affecting job satisfaction and retention in current positions. New nurses are a health human resource that must be retained in order to ensure the replacement of retiring nurses, and to address impending shortages. As a result, creating supportive work environments that promote NGNs’ job satisfaction may play an important role in the retention and recruitment of skilled, satisfied nursing staff. The purpose of this study was to test the relationships between new graduates’ self-reported psychological capital (PsyCap), access to empowerment structures, perceptions of staffing adequacy and job satisfaction. A secondary analysis of data collected using a non-experimental predictive survey design was conducted on a sample of 205 NGN’s working in the province of Ontario. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the study hypothesis. Results indicated that PsyCap, structural empowerment and perceptions of adequate nurse staffing were significant independent predictors of NGNs’ job satisfaction (β= .38, β= .50 and β=.17 respectively), explaining 41% of the total variance. Study findings suggest that support for personal and structural resources in the workplace will enhance overall job satisfaction in new nurses.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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