Nurse educators in Australia: High job satisfaction despite role ambiguity

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the nurse educator role in Australian hospitals, including their practice and performance standards. Methods:A cross-sectional, online survey of nurse educators employed in acute care hospitals in Australia was administered over a three-month period. The survey comprised established and researcher-developed scales, and a single open-ended question. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using a general inductive approach.Results: Nurse educators who were more likely to fulfil nurse educator competency practice domains had master's degrees in education, defined professional development needs, and met regularly with their managers. These educators also had higher levels of job satisfaction. Participants identified that role ambiguity and role confusion adversely impacted nurse educator role expectations, responsibilities, and job satisfaction. Despite this, the majority of educators intended to stay in their role for the foreseeable future.Conclusions: Role ambiguity influenced professional identity and job satisfaction, highlighting the need for clarification of nurse educator roles. These findings suggest the need for review of the nurse educator role and incorporation of professional and educational requirements and practice competencies. Ongoing role monitoring is recommended to identify the effects of role change.

Factors associated with job satisfaction among graduate nursing faculties in Nepal

“…In contrast to the several studies conducted in the United States of America and Australia where job satisfaction among nursing faculties was reported between 18% and 45% [10,[12][13][14], the 36.8% job satisfaction rate of this study seems reasonable.…”

An investigation of nurse education service models in acute care metropolitan hospitals across Australia

“…In nurse education arenas, standards have been developed to define the scope of nurse education practice and to advance the role of the nurse educator, although implementing these in a consistent manner has proven difficult (Rogan, Crooks & Durrant, 2008). This is supported by findings of a recent study undertaken by Sayers et al, in 2015 examining the nurse educator role in Australian hospitals. This study identified that nurse educators can experience high job satisfaction levels, but that role ambiguity and role confusion continue to be issues and can adversely impact on the expectations, responsibilities and job satisfaction of nurse educators.…”

“…This study identified that nurse educators can experience high job satisfaction levels, but that role ambiguity and role confusion continue to be issues and can adversely impact on the expectations, responsibilities and job satisfaction of nurse educators. The study concludes by indicating that role clarity, educator competencies and performance monitoring are important to the effectiveness of the nurse educator role (Sayers, et al 2015).…”

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