Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction among Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals in Oman

Background: Job satisfaction among nurses is a critical determinant of workforce stability, care quality, and patient outcomes. In Oman, persistent nursing shortages, demanding work environments, and limited career advancement opportunities present significant challenges to nurses’ retention and satisfaction. Aim: To explore key factors influencing job satisfaction among nurses working in tertiary hospitals in Oman. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Royal Hospital, Oman. Using convenience sampling, 317 registered nurses with more than one year of clinical experience completed a validated, structured online questionnaire. The survey assessed demographics, job satisfaction, and influencing factors such as teamwork, leadership support, workload, and career development. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analyses were used to identify the strongest predictors of job satisfaction. Results: Overall, 75.4% of nurses were satisfied with their jobs. The most influential factors associated with job satisfaction were teamwork and communication (31.9%), followed by leadership support (19.6%), workload and staffing (9.1%), and administrative policies (8.8%). Regression analysis revealed that leadership support was the strongest predictor of job satisfaction, followed by workload satisfaction and feeling valued within the team (R² = 0.56, p < 0.001). While most nurses were satisfied with professional development opportunities (94.6%), only 57.7% were satisfied with promotion pathways. Nearly half (48.6%) reported difficulty managing shift duties. Qualitative responses highlighted the need for better recognition, fair promotions, and adequate staffing. Conclusion: Leadership support, manageable workloads, and strong team cohesion are the most significant predictors of nurse job satisfaction in tertiary hospitals in Oman. Hospital administrators should prioritize leadership development, optimize staffing levels, clarify career advancement pathways, and promote team-based communication to enhance nurse retention and care quality.