The Interaction Between Individualized Developmental Care Knowledge, Job Motivation, and Job Satisfaction Among Neonatal Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to investigate how neonatal nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward individualized developmental care influence their job motivation and job satisfaction. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study included 98 neonatal nurses working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of two hospitals in eastern ofTürkiye. Data were collected using the Individualized Developmental Care Knowledge and Attitude Scale, the Nurses' Job Motivation Scale, and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between job motivation and job satisfaction (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that NICU work experience, work schedule, individualized developmental care knowledge perception, and job motivation were significant predictors of job satisfaction. Gender significantly influenced individualized developmental care knowledge and attitudes (p = 0.014), while job motivation was affected by education level, satisfaction with NICU work, and previous training on individualized developmental care (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Neonatal nurses demonstrated moderate-to-high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes toward individualized developmental care, along with moderate job motivation and satisfaction. Higher job motivation was associated with greater job satisfaction. Findings highlight the need for structured training programs to enhance individualized developmental care knowledge application and policies to optimize work schedules.