"After 28 years I'm still absolutely fascinated by what I do": exploring job satisfaction in experienced perioperative nurses

Abstract: It has been well documented that there are significant nursing workforce shortages in specialty areas and the operating theatre is one area particularly affected. Given the importance of enhancing recruitment and retention in the perioperative context, we thought it important to investigate, from the grass roots level, the factors that influence job satisfaction for those who choose to work and stay in this area. Prior research investigating nurses' job satisfaction has tended to focus on general nursing and utilise quantitative methodology. We surmised that by investigating factors intrinsic to perioperative nurses' job satisfaction from a qualitative perspective, the findings may be useful in illuminating the specific attributes of perioperative work which make it a rewarding, long-term career for certain nurs