Desire for change of duties and professional orientation of nurses in relation to their job satisfaction and professional values
Abstract
Background: Nursing constitutes a fundamental pillar of healthcare systems worldwide. However, increasing workload, adverse working conditions, and limited professional recognition have been associated with reduced job satisfaction, professional burnout, and an increased intention to leave the profession.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses’ desire to change duties and professional orientation and to examine its association with job satisfaction, professional burnout, and patient safety perceptions.
Method and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 nurses working in Intensive Care Units, Emergency Departments, and Operating Theatres in three large public hospitals in the Attica region, Greece. Data were collected using the Registered Nurse Forecasting (RN4CAST) questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and multivariable regression models.
Results: Most of participants reported low levels of job satisfaction and unfavorable working conditions. High levels of emotional exhaustion (93.9%), low personal accomplishment (83.7%), and elevated depersonalization (58.2%) were observed. A total of 89% of nurses expressed an intention to leave their current hospital, while 75% stated they would seek employment outside the nursing profession. Job dissatisfaction, poor perceived quality of nursing care, limited confidence in hospital management, and low patient safety ratings were significantly associated with higher burnout levels and a stronger desire to change professional orientation (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Nurses working in closed hospital departments experience substantial occupational dissatisfaction and burnout, which strongly influence their intention to leave the profession. Improving working conditions, strengthening management support, ensuring adequate staffing, and enhancing professional development opportunities are essential strategies to promote nurse retention and improve quality of patient care.
Article Details
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Intas, G., Briasouli, G., & Stergiannis, P. (2026). Desire for change of duties and professional orientation of nurses in relation to their job satisfaction and professional values. Health & Research Journal, 12(3), 136–150. https://doi.org/10.12681/healthresj.44416
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