Abstract: Exploring Factors that Affect Job Satisfaction in Long- Term Care Facilities Among Nurses and State Tested Nursing Assistants: A Qualitative Study

Limited research has been conducted in the area of job satisfaction among patient care providers in long- term care facilities. This study intended to explore the lived experiences of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) in long- term care facilities to determine the cause of the rising rate of turnover. The qualitative study was conducted in a long- term care facility in the rural Midwestern United States. Three RNs, LPNs, and STNAs were chosen purposively. They ranged in age between 23 and 62, and all interviewed were female. The participants were asked 13 open- ended questions regarding job satisfaction. Colazzi's phenomenological data analysis was used to analyze participant interviews. Data analysis indicated two themes that affected job satisfaction. The first theme was workload, which included the sub themes of staffing, training, administration appreciation, patient appreciation, and miscellaneous. The second theme that emerged was administration, which included the sub themes of environment and wages. Further research on a larger scale would help to determine if themes that emerged were consistent for all related staff, and if there were other themes that affected job satisfaction among RNs, LPNs, and STNAs in long- term care facilities.