Nurse satisfaction with the guided care role

In the Guided Care model, Guided Care Nurses (GCNs) work with physicians and staff to improve health outcomes for multi-morbid older patients. The study's objective is to explore nurses' satisfaction with their role as GCNs by identifying important factors in nursing positions, comparing job satisfaction between the GCN role and past nursing jobs, and observing the GCNs' morale and job satisfaction over time.

Guided Care was tested in a 3-year cluster-randomized controlled trial. GCN survey data were collected at baseline and annually for three years. The baseline survey collected demographic information, surveyed the importance of job factors, and evaluated satisfaction with past positions. Job satisfaction was measured with the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS) in Year 2, 3 and 4. We also interviewed all GCNs to understand their experiences.

The most important factors in a nursing job for these nurses were flexible hours, manageable workload, and good pay and benefits (5.89 on a 6-point Likert scale). They were least satisfied with their past nursing jobs in the areas of workload (4.11/6), pay and benefits (4.22/6), and relationship with physicians (4.22/6).

The Year 4 survey strongly indicated that GCNs were more satisfied with the GCN role (5.57/6) when compared with their past nursing roles (4.33/6). MMSS indicates that while GCNs are highly satisfied with the schedule and interaction with coworkers, they desire more professional development opportunities.

Results from the GCN exit interview confirmed the findings from the analysis of the surveys of high job satisfaction. Many described being a GCN as the best job they ever have had. They were also very satisfied with the close patient interactions and recognized this is a unique feature in Guided Care.

The findings support that being a Guided Care Nurse has “the potential to be a fulfilling career for registered nurses.”