Job Satisfaction and Job Performance among Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Job satisfaction plays a significant role in any employee’s job performance. Increasing job satisfaction results in improved job performance. In healthcare settings, nurse job satisfaction played a crucial role in the delivery of quality healthcare, whereas their performance was critical to a patient’s perception of service quality. This study investigates the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance among nurses at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah, using Herzberg's Two- Factor Theory of motivation as its framework. The study examines job satisfaction factors such as extrinsic rewards, scheduling, work-life balance, professional growth opportunities, interpersonal relationships, and recognition. It also assesses performance measures like leadership, critical care, cooperation, planning, interpersonal communication, and professional growth. A descriptive correlational design was employed, involving 384 staff nurses selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated three-part survey, and analyses were performed using descriptive statistics—mean and standard deviation—and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient The findings demonstrated a significant positive relationship between job happiness and job performance, with higher satisfaction consistently resulting in better performance. Salary and years of work experience were important predictors of job satisfaction and performance. The findings revealed that nurses ranked satisfaction with extrinsic rewards, professional prospects, and work-life balance as the most relevant variables. Their leadership and teamwork demonstrated strong performance, while critical care and professional development were noted as areas for growth. These results show the importance of how job satisfaction could improve job performance, reduce turnover, and ensure high-quality healthcare delivery.