| This study analyzes job satisfaction of Nursing Assistants across the United States by utilizing data from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey, which was conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. The effects of the organizational type and Nursing Assistants' self-perception of work on job satisfaction are examined. The facilities organizational type is categorized by the for-profit or not-for-profit status, and if the facility is a chain or not. Using crosstabulations and correlation statistics, it was found that the organizational type does have an effect on job satisfaction, but it is a weak one. Nursing Assistants' self-perception of work proved to be a stronger indicator of overall job satisfaction. It was also found that a high percentage of Nursing Assistants that reported negative perceptions were still satisfied with their job. With previous studies reporting high rates of turnover this seems counter intuitive, and indicates that Nursing Assistants find the job itself satisfactory, but the environment can be less than satisfactory. This leads one to believe that further research should be conducted on the creation of work perceptions in the nursing environment, how management style helps create and modify these perceptions, and how the work environment can be improved for Nursing Assistants. |
