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A STUDY OF SCHOOL NURSE JOB SATISFACTION

DeMonica L. Junious, RN, MSEd, is an assistant professor at North Harris Montgomery Community College District, Houston, TX. This article was based on a project conducted for her master’s degree in health education at Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, TX

Regina Jones Johnson, RN, MSN, DrPH

Regina Jones Johnson, RN, MSN, DrPH, is an assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX

Ronald J. Peters, Jr., DrPH

Ronald J. Peters, Jr., DrPH, is an assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, Houston, TX

Christine M. Markham, PhD

Christine M. Markham, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, Houston, TX

Steven H. Kelder, PhD

Steven H. Kelder, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, Houston, TX

George S. Yacoubian, Jr., PhD

George S. Yacoubian, Jr., PhD, is director of research, McFarland and Associates, Inc., Silver Spring, MD

This study explored job satisfaction and changes needed to help boost levels of job satisfaction. Self-reported job satisfaction data were collected from 71 school nurses employed in elementary, middle, and high school settings via interactive focus groups. The subjects participated in a 30- to 45-minute focus group session that was audiotaped and transcribed by the principal investigator. Beliefs about job satisfaction were identified and classified into exclusive categories or themes. While the majority of school nurses expressed contentment with their jobs, certain factors that would increase job satisfaction, such as salary and control issues, were discussed. Overall, 83% of school nurses in this study were satisfied in their present positions; however, issues of coping and role strain were identified as major contributors to low morale. Only 17% of the school nurses voiced job dissatisfaction, primarily attributed to low salaries and lack of trust and support from administration. As school nurses face a diverse community with complex needs, adaptation is needed for job satisfaction to be maintained. For this to occur, school nurses must take the initiative to educate administrators, parents, and communities about their role in the school setting.

Key Words: job satisfaction • school nurse • school nurse role

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 20, No. 2, 88-93 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/10598405040200020601


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