A Swiss study has found supportive leadership and resident climate were the keys to ensuring job satisfaction in the health care workforce.

The study of 4,145 aged care nurses and nursing aides in 162 Swiss nursing homes found a strong correlation between nurses who reported high satisfaction with their workplace, and those who perceived they had supportive management and a safe resident environment.

Conversely, those who reported understaffing, under-resourcing and lack of recognition were more likely to report feeling dissatisfied with their place of work.

The authors highlighted the need to address job satisfaction for nursing home staff, to ensure the future longevity of the sector and to provide safe resident care.

The authors stated a need for policies to improve “nursing home leadership and work environments” to improve “outcomes [for] both care staff and for residents”.

“Quality nursing home leadership is needed”, the authors concluded.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is campaigning to improve nursing home care. To support their campaign, visit their campaign website.