A study on the influencing factors of nurses'job satisfaction based on empowerment theory

Objective To investigate the joint action mechanism of structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and job satisfaction of nursing staff in China, and probe into a joint action mechanism of such structure and empowerment on their satisfaction. Methods Totally 300 nurse specialists from secondary and tertiary hospitals in Anhui province were selected in a convenience sampling for investigation, by means of a general information questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaires-Ⅱ and Psychological Empowerment Scale. Results The nurses' job satisfaction were positively associated with both their total scoring and individual dimensions of the structural empowerment and psychological empowerment. As shown in the structural equation modeling, the model (the pathway from structural empowerment to nurses' job satisfaction and the mediating effect of psychological empowerment are significant) fitted the data well. Conclusions Nursing managers can use the empowerment theory to fully leverage their management advantages, creating a desirable environment for the nursing staff at large. Key words: Nurse specialists; Job satisfaction; Structural empowerment; Psychological empowerment