The relationship between work-related variables, job satisfaction, and perceived professional autonomy of radiation oncology nurses in Turkey

Özet

Objectives: This study analyzed the relationship between work-related variables, job satisfaction, and perceived pro-fessional autonomy in Turkish radiation oncology nurses.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 138 radiation oncology nurses employed at uni-versity, public, and private hospitals. Data were collected using a data collection form that included demographic vari-ables and the 30-item Nursing Activity Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of independent variables on the perceived professional autonomy and job satisfaction of nurses. Results: The nurses’ perceptions of professional autonomy and job satisfaction were moderate. Experience, being a ward head/outpatient clinic nurse, and training affected the level of professional autonomy of nurses (OR: 2.90, 2.62, and 2.56, respectively). Additionally, the type of hospital, perceived level of professional autonomy, and position affect-ed the level of job satisfaction (OR: 4.05, 3.23, and 2.35, respectively).Conclusion: Radiation oncology nurses with a moderate level of professional autonomy and job satisfaction and those completing undergraduate and graduate education perceived lower levels of autonomy than other nurses did, indicat-ing a significant clinical problem. It is recommended that healthcare and nursing directors increase radiation oncology nurses’ professional autonomy based on job requirements and responsibilities because low autonomy may cause job stress and burnout.