Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this research was to find out factors affecting job stress and job satisfaction of nurses working at the welfare centers.
METHODS
This study was performed with 140 nurses who were working at or had retired within 1 year from general welfare centers in Seoul during the period from March 29 to February 29 2004. We used a questionnaire asking about general characteristics. work characteristics. stress factors and job satisfaction. We analysed 103 subjects who replied to the questionnaires.
RESULTS
The mean job stress level was 2.84 out of 5 and. as for the sub-factors of job stress. income was 4.19, career development 3.69, service environment 3.26 and support system 1.90. The mean job satisfaction level was 3.32 out of 5 and. as for the sub-factors of job satisfaction, job control was 3.58, efficiency of organization 3.27, job burden and responsibility 2.92 and role ambiguity 2.25. When the nurses' job stress was compared according to their general and work characteristics. stress level was significantly high in nurses who had a short experience. were working at the department of senior welfare center. or were the only staff at their workplace (p<0.05). In addition. satisfaction level was significantly high in nurses who were working at the department of senior welfare center and medical welfare team. were the only staff at their workplace or had a heavy work load (p<0.05). According to the results of multiple regression analysis. job stress level was influenced by age (R2=0.212, p<0.01). and job satisfaction level by the number of staffs and work load (R2=0.272, p<0.1).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study suggest that good atmosphere should be made up to communicate between the departments at the workplace in order to lessen job stress and enhance job satisfaction of nurses working at welfare centers. In addition. role division and job duties among special staffs should be reviewed in order to achieve high efficiency in performing job duties.

• Keywords: Job stress;Job satisfaction;Nurses;Welfare centers;