Job satisfaction and autonomy of Hong Kong registered nurses.

This research examines job satisfaction and need for autonomy of 190 registered nurses in Hong Kong using a cross-sectional survey design. The level of job satisfaction towards six job components (autonomy, professional status, pay, interaction, task requirements and organizational policies) was measured using the Index of Work Satisfaction. Results showed that the sample was dissatisfied more than satisfied, they valued the job components of autonomy, professional status and pay more than interaction, task requirements and organizational policies. In addition, comparisons were made between nurses working in different hospitals and also different nursing units within a hospital. The level of need for autonomy was assessed using the autonomy subscale of the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Results showed that the level of need for autonomy of this group of nurses was below the mid-score of the sub-scale and there was no significant relationship between their satisfaction with job autonomy and their individual need for autonomy.