Job Satisfaction and Retention of Military Nurses A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Job satisfaction is an extremely important concept that influences a nurse's decision to stay in an organization, as well as the cost of turnover and the nursing shortage. The purpose of this review is to identify published research studies that have assessed job satisfaction and retention (intent to stay) in military nurses serving in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The available literature was searched from 1980 to 2010 and the review resulted in 21 studies. The majority of the studies used a descriptive correlational design and was specific to one particular service. The researchers reported several satisfiers such as strong sense of teamwork, favorable work environments, pay and benefits, promotional opportunities, leadership and management experiences offered to junior officers. One of the major dissatisfiers was the lack of support from leadership. Nurse researchers must expand the retention science with robust longitudinal interventional studies. Nurse researchers are well positioned to provide military nurse leaders with the best possible evidence to address issues and make decisions regarding nurse retention.