Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period have exacerbated workforce challenges for nurses and midwives. The increasingly complex nature of healthcare, combined with rising workloads and staff attrition highlights the need for initiatives that improve workplace satisfaction and retention. In response, mentoring programs aimed at enhancing job satisfaction and retention are being increasingly implemented.
Aims: This study sought to measure the workplace satisfaction of nurses and midwives across five New South Wales local health districts, utilising data captured from a wider study investigating the implementation of the Deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery Mentoring program.
Design: An exploratory, mixed methods study using purposive sampling was employed.
Methods: A secondary analysis of a modified version of the Nursing Workplace Satisfaction Questionnaire, was used to quantify intrinsic, extrinsic, and relational workplace satisfaction constructs among nursing and midwifery staff. Open ended questions included in the survey were thematically analysed using methods developed by Braun and Clarke (2022).
Results: Between June-October 2023, n = 106 participants returned the survey. Differences between intrinsic (items 2 & 5), extrinsic (item 9) relational (items 13-15) constructs were observed for health districts, Aboriginality, age, and professional role characteristics (P < 0.05). Five qualitative themes emerged from the data: Helping people is the priority; Teams make a difference to my workplace satisfaction; Managers impact my satisfaction; Scope and recognition; and Organisational factors.
Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate noticeable differences in workforce satisfaction and retention across various factors, including workforce areas, Aboriginality, age, and professional roles. For these groups, initiatives aimed at improving satisfaction and retention should prioritise fostering teamwork and a sense of belonging, as these elements have significant impact on job satisfaction for nurses and midwives and provide valuable guidance for nursing leaders.
Impact statement: This study identifies that teamwork and belongingness impact workplace satisfaction for nurses and midwives.
Keywords: COVID-19; midwifery; nursing; satisfaction; workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated workloads for nurses and midwives, with staff shortages and increased patient acuity negatively impacting workplace satisfaction. This study utilised an exploratory survey design to assess specific factors influencing the satisfaction and retention of nurses and midwives. Through mixed methods data collection and analysis, our findings highlight that while teamwork and belongingness are well-established contributors to workplace satisfaction, there are distinct variations across different workforce demographics. In particular, we found that teamwork and a sense of belonging were stronger among certain workforce areas but less evident among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives, older workforce members (age), and practicing midwives. These gaps highlight critical areas where strategies can be developed to better support these groups and offering nursing leaders targeted opportunities for intervention.