Occupational Satisfaction of Public Hospital Nurses in India: A Qualitative Explorative Study

AIM: This study aimed to explore occupational satisfaction experienced by nurses working in a public hospital. METHOD: Qualitative approach was used to explore experiences toward occupational satisfaction among 16 nurses working in different units of a selected public hospital in Tamil Nadu, South India. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated the individual in-depth face-to-face interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic approach was used for data analysis and data management was performed using NVIVO-12 software. RESULTS: The two major themes that emerged as nurses’ experiences on occupational satisfaction were “Quality patient care rendering and responses” and “Professional opportunities and responsibility.” The sub-themes under quality patient care rendering and responses were patient care environment, team dynamics, leadership, and patient’s health status. The sub-themes under professional opportunities and responsibility were pay and promotion, professional growth, and recognition. CONCLUSION: The findings help us understand the various facilitating and hindering challenges nurses face in occupational satisfaction. It also emphasizes the organization’s focus on modifiable factors in the working environment, enhancing satisfaction, and helping the nurses work more effectively and efficiently to deliver quality nursing care. Nursing administration in every healthcare setting should focus on strategies to improve nurses’ professional development.