The doctoral dissertation by MNSc Tuija Ylitörmänen showed that there was a connection between nurse–nurse collaboration and job satisfaction. The results revealed that Finnish and Norwegian nurses’ perceptions and experiences of intraprofessional collaboration were good. Nurses who worked in the daytime rated both job satisfaction and intraprofessional collaboration higher than those who worked in shifts. The results also showed that nurses over 30 years of age were mainly more satisfied with their work than nurses under the age of 30.
Interprofessional collaboration between nurses and physicians has been studied for several years, but there are limited studies on intraprofessional collaboration between nurses. Collaboration and intraprofessional relationships are important for healthy work environments, as they effect nurses’ well-being, quality of care and patient outcomes.
In her dissertation, Tuija Ylitörmänen examined nurse–nurse collaboration and job satisfaction and the relationship between them in a mixed methods design. The research comprises of two substudies that examined the perceptions and experiences of Finnish and Norwegian nurses. Substudy one employed a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study design with a sample of 406 Finnish and Norwegian RNs and focused on the RNs’ perceptions of collaboration between nurses and job satisfaction. Nurses’ evaluated collaboration from the viewpoint of five subscales. The nurses rated the subscales communication, professionalism, and shared process highest, and conflict management lowest. Job satisfaction was assessed through seven subscales, of which the motivating factors of work and working welfare were rated highest, followed by management and community spirit, and requiring factors of work, participation in decision-making and the work environment lowest.
The second substudy described Finnish and Norwegian nurses’ experiences of collaboration between nurses and job satisfaction. The study consisted of 29 RN interviews. Based on the interviews, collaboration was described by seven categories: equal and smooth collaboration towards a common goal patient-centered, collegial networking in nursing, a well-functioning work environment, clear communication, experience of collegiality, sharing knowledge and skills, and sharing support and work. The results regarding RNs’ experience of job satisfaction also resulted in seven categories: opportunities to influence the work, continuous learning, interaction and feedback, relationships with colleagues, support from colleagues, meaningful and motivating work in a comfortable and positive work environment, and experience of success.
By identifying and promoting qualities that support intraprofessional collaboration, it is possible to enhance job satisfaction, which contributes to a positive and healthy work environment, which in turn supports nurses’ well-being.
The doctoral dissertation of Tuija Ylitörmänen, Master of Health Sciences, entitled Nurse–nurse collaboration and job satisfaction – a mixed method study of Finnish and Norwegian nurses’ perceptions will be examined at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland. The opponent in the public examination will be Docent Outi Kanste of the University of Oulu, and the custos will be Professor Hannele Turunen of the University of Eastern Finland. The public examination will be held in Finnish online on 21 May 2021 starting at 12 noon.
