Job Satisfaction in Community Health Nursing: A Mixed Methods Examination of Influencing Factors

Abstract

Job satisfaction among community health nurses is a critical determinant of workforce stability, quality of patient care, and overall healthcare system performance. Community health nurses serve as the primary link between healthcare services and communities, delivering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care across diverse populations. Despite their indispensable role, these professionals frequently encounter numerous occupational challenges, including heavy workloads, inadequate staffing, limited career advancement opportunities, insufficient resources, workplace stress, safety concerns, and administrative responsibilities that negatively influence job satisfaction. Consequently, low job satisfaction contributes to increased burnout, absenteeism, reduced organizational commitment, decreased productivity, and high staff turnover, ultimately affecting the quality and continuity of community healthcare services. This mixed methods review synthesizes current evidence regarding factors influencing job satisfaction among community health nurses by integrating quantitative findings with qualitative perspectives. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were systematically searched for studies published between January 2020 and June 2025. Quantitative studies examining predictors of job satisfaction and qualitative studies exploring nurses' lived experiences were included. The evidence indicates that organizational support, leadership style, professional autonomy, workload management, work-life balance, remuneration, continuing education, career development, workplace safety, teamwork, and recognition are among the strongest predictors of job satisfaction. Qualitative findings further highlight the importance of supportive supervision, professional respect, community relationships, emotional resilience, and opportunities for professional growth. Emerging digital technologies, telehealth services, and supportive workplace policies have demonstrated potential to improve job satisfaction while enhancing healthcare delivery. Strengthening organizational commitment toward workforce well-being through evidence-based interventions is essential for improving nurse retention, patient outcomes, and healthcare quality. Future research should evaluate innovative workforce strategies and organizational interventions aimed at enhancing job satisfaction among community health nurses globally.