Learning Objective #1: Identify three factors resulting in job dissatisfaction for experienced pediatric intensive care nurses

Learning Objective #2: Identify two strategies to increase job satisfaction for experienced pediatric intensive care nurses

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Nurses' organizational and role satisfaction may be contributing factors in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) retention. Current growth in PICU patient volumes and the nationwide nursing shortage make retention of experienced PICU nurses a high priority. It is well documented that patient outcomes are affected by inadequate nurse staffing and high workloads (Aiken, Clarke, Cheung, Sloane, & Silber, 2002). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore satisfaction and dissatisfaction of experienced staff nurses in a PICU. Herzberg's (1959) two factor theory of employee satisfaction provided the conceptual foundation for the study. A convenience sample of 11 nurses with greater than 3 years of experience chose to participate; 2 refused participation. Focus groups, individual interviews, and demographic surveys were used to collect data. Each informant participated in one focus group or interview in which a group leader documented major content themes. At the end of the session the major themes were reviewed for confirmation and clarification by the participants. The constant comparison method will guide focus group data analysis (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Focus group sessions will be analyzed independently by two researchers. The material will be coded and themes identified and categorized as satisfying or dissatisfying according to the Herzberg model. Preliminary results indicate that participants ranged in age from 26-60 years; 64% were under 45 years old. Fifty-five percent had 10 years or less of PICU experience and 46% of the sample worked day shift. On a 0-10 scale (10 = highest stress) non-work related stress was rated as moderate (M = 5.09, SD = 2.09). Comparatively, work related stress was reported to be slightly higher (M = 6.18, SD = 2.09). Spearman's rho indicated no significant differences between non-work and work related stresses. Content analysis is in process.