AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON NURSES’ JOB SATISFACTION AND QUALITY OF CARE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Patient satisfaction—shaped by prior experiences, future expectations, and individual values—serves as a key indicator of both nursing care quality and overall healthcare service effectiveness.

Objective: This descriptive correlational study aimed to examine the association between nurses’ job satisfaction and the quality of care they provide, while also identifying key factors that influence care quality.

Materials and Methods: A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing convenience sampling to survey 222 registered nurses employed at Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected using a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire tailored to evaluate the relationship between job satisfaction and quality of care. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 to detect significant correlations and trends.

Results: Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between nurses’ job satisfaction and the quality of care delivered. Notably, 68.5% of participants recognized that their level of job satisfaction directly affects the quality of care provided. These results underscore the vital role of job satisfaction in achieving favorable patient outcomes.

Conclusion: The study confirmed that higher job satisfaction among nurses is associated with improved quality of care. Additionally, it identified workload, stress, and unsafe working environments as major challenges that negatively impact care quality.