Are Generation Y Nurses Satisfied on the Job? Understanding Their Lived Experiences

J Nurs Adm. 2017 Apr;47(4):232-237. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000470.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of job satisfaction among Generation Y nurses in the workplace.

Background: Job satisfaction in nursing is at an all-time low. With an increasing shortage of nurses, there is a need for more awareness and understanding of job satisfaction and intent to stay among Generation Y nurses who are the future generation of nurses.

Methods: Descriptive phenomenology-guided, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted to explore the lived experiences of job satisfaction among 10 Generation Y nurses.

Results: Four main themes and 6 subthemes that emerged brought meaning to the nurses' experiences. The 4 main themes were experiences of feeling good, relationships, job strain, and having choices.

Conclusions: Findings indicated Generation Y nurses want to fulfill inner feelings of job satisfaction. If these inner feelings are not met, they will seek other opportunities to fulfill job satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Male
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • United States
  • Workplace / psychology*