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Research Article| Volume 70, ISSUE 5, P737-748, September 2022

Differences in employment, job characteristics, and work-related perceptions by sociodemographic factors among registered nurses of diverse race/ethnicity

      Highlights

      • Differences in perception about work environments were observed among multi-ethnic nurses.
      • Nurses’ job characteristics differed by sociodemographic factors.
      • Asians or Black nurses tended to work more in urban areas.
      • Younger nurses tended to have greater intention to leave a job than older nurses.
      • Nurses’ workforce participation should be understood in multiple social contexts.

      Abstract

      Background

      Available research on registered nurses (RNs) indicates that RNs with diverse race/ethnicity are more likely to work in disadvantaged workplaces.

      Purpose

      To examine differences in employment, job characteristics and perceptions about work among RNs by sociodemographic characteristics.

      Methods

      We analyzed data from statewide random samples of California RNs (N=895).

      Findings

      Increased age was associated with increased likelihoods of working part-time, day-shift, and in non-hospital settings and having managerial positions. Asian and Black nurses were more likely to work in urban areas than White nurses. The levels of job demand, job control, job satisfaction, perceived organizational culture, and safety climate were significantly different by sociodemographic characteristics. Greater intention to leave the job was associated with younger age and working in non-hospital settings.

      Discussion

      The findings suggest that differences exist in nurses' employment, job characteristics, and perceptions about their work and work environment by sociodemographic characteristics among RNs of diverse race/ethnicity.

      Keywords

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