‘I love nursing, but ..’ : qualitative findings from Australian aged-care nurses about their intrinsic, extrinsic and social work values

Aim. The aim of this qualitative analysis – a component of a larger survey study, was to provide insights and understandings about intrinsic and extrinsic work values for nurses in aged-care. Background. Intrinsic and extrinsic work values impact on nurses’ job satisfaction and ultimately nursing retention. This study contributes further to knowledge development in this area by building on a previous work values study in aged-care nursing. Methods. This paper presents the qualitative research findings from the final open ended question from a survey of nurses employed in the aged-care sector in the State of Queensland, Australia in 2007. Data from a cohort of 105 aged care sector nurses was analysed relying on deductive content analysis. Findings. Two intrinsic work values emerged – low morale and images of nursing and two extrinsic work values emerged – remuneration and working conditions. The work value ‘working conditions’ comprised four aspects of aged-care work, specifically staff turnover, workplace violence, care team membership specifically the Assistants-in-Nursing and paperwork. A single social workplace value ‘support by management’ is discussed as identified as important to these nurses. Conclusion. Qualitative insights into aged-care nurses’ intrinsic and extrinsic work values suggest that work satisfaction is low. Workforce policy makers and employers of nurses in aged-care need to comprehend the relationship between job satisfaction, retention and work values.