# Job Satisfaction and Work-Related Quality of Life Among School and Clinical Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

School nurses in Greece report higher job satisfaction and quality of life than clinical nurses, who are more likely to leave their jobs.

## Contribution

This study compares job satisfaction and work-related quality of life between school and clinical nurses in Greece, identifying key factors influencing their well-being.

## Key findings

- School nurses in Greece have significantly higher job satisfaction and work-related quality of life than clinical nurses.
- Clinical nurses show a stronger intention to leave their sector compared to school nurses.
- Job satisfaction is strongly linked to work-related quality of life, with working conditions and well-being as key predictors.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?
School nurses in Greece reported significantly higher job satisfaction and work-related quality of life compared to clinical nurses, while clinical nurses demonstrated a stronger intention to leave their sector.Job satisfaction was strongly and positively associated with WRQoL, with working conditions, general well-being, and job–career satisfaction emerging as key predictive factors.

School nurses in Greece reported significantly higher job satisfaction and work-related quality of life compared to clinical nurses, while clinical nurses demonstrated a stronger intention to leave their sector.

Job satisfaction was strongly and positively associated with WRQoL, with working conditions, general well-being, and job–career satisfaction emerging as key predictive factors.

What are the implications of the main findings?
Improvements in organizational and environmental work factors, especially salary, career development opportunities, and working conditions, are essential to strengthen nurse retention and professional well-being.Policy strategies targeting workplace quality rather than demographic characteristics may have a greater impact on sustaining the nursing workforce and ensuring healthcare system resilience.

Improvements in organizational and environmental work factors, especially salary, career development opportunities, and working conditions, are essential to strengthen nurse retention and professional well-being.

Policy strategies targeting workplace quality rather than demographic characteristics may have a greater impact on sustaining the nursing workforce and ensuring healthcare system resilience.

Background/Objectives: Job satisfaction and work-related quality of life (WRQoL) are essential determinants of nurses’ well-being, performance, and retention. Differences between school and clinical nursing environments may influence these outcomes, yet comparative evidence from Greece remains limited. This study aimed to assess and compare job satisfaction and WRQoL among school and clinical nurses and identify factors associated with professional well-being and turnover intention. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 among 165 nurses employed in Greek public hospitals and schools. Data were collected using demographic questions, the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and the Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. Results: Moderate levels of job satisfaction (M = 125.10) and WRQoL (M = 75.27) were observed overall. School nurses reported significantly higher scores in both job satisfaction and WRQoL compared to clinical nurses (p < 0.001). Clinical nurses expressed a greater intention to transition to school nursing. Lowest satisfaction levels were related to salary, promotion, and fringe benefits, while supervision, coworkers, and nature of work scored highest. Strong positive correlations were found between job satisfaction and WRQoL dimensions. Regression analysis indicated that general well-being, job and career satisfaction, and working conditions significantly predicted job satisfaction, explaining 54.7% of its variance. Conclusions: Professional well-being among nurses is primarily shaped by workplace conditions rather than demographic factors. Interventions focused on improving compensation, career progression, and work environments are critical for enhancing job satisfaction and sustaining the nursing workforce.