Job satisfaction among nephrology nurses: An Italian multicenter cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess job satisfaction (JS) and professional quality of life (ProQoL) among nurses working in clinical nephrology settings in Italy. Nurses in nephrology face substantial emotional and clinical demands, similar to palliative care. Job dissatisfaction and burnout negatively affect care quality and safety, yet evidence specific to nephrology remains limited. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 359 nurses (82.7% women; mean age 47.7 years). Most worked in hemodialysis (81.9%) and had more than 10 years of work experience (46.5%). Data were collected between November 2024 and May 2025 through an online survey including sociodemographic information, the Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS), and the ProQoL Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests, correlations, and multiple regression analyses. Nurses reported moderate Compassion Satisfaction (CS) (96%) and low-to-moderate Burnout (BO) (42% and 58%, respectively). Regression analyses showed that higher professional status (β = 0.525, p < 0.001) and autonomy (β = 0.330, p < 0.001) were positively associated with ProQoL, while older age (β = −0.167, p = 0.047) and poorer nurse–physician relationships (β = −0.220, p = 0.037) were associated with lower ProQoL. Autonomy, professional recognition, and collaborative interprofessional relationships are key protective factors for nurses' ProQoL in nephrology. Educational and organizational strategies fostering these factors, through training, mentorship, and professional development, may enhance JS and improve ProQoL, including reducing burnout symptoms, and could support patient-centered practice. • This study examined job satisfaction among 359 Italian nephrology nurses. • Nurses reported moderate compassion satisfaction and low-to-moderate burnout. • Professional status and autonomy strongly predicted nurses' well-being. • Poor nurse–physician relationships and older age were linked to lower well-being. • Findings may guide strategies to improve retention and patient care quality.