Job satisfaction among health professionals in a federal tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Background: Job satisfaction of health workers is essential in building up employee motivation and efficiency. The objective of this study is to ascertain the level of job satisfaction among health professionals in a federal tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Methodology: This study was done at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu (NOHE), in south-east Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty-six health workers were recruited from the various clinical departments via a systematic sampling technique. A questionnaire documenting relevant sociodemographic data and assessing the level of satisfaction with the financial remunerations, working conditions, infrastructure and equipment, learning and academic sponsorships, welfare packages, and performance appraisal systems was administered to them. Results: The findings revealed a relatively low level of job satisfaction among the staff of NOHE especially with regards to financial remuneration, working conditions, tools and infrastructure, learning and training opportunities/sponsorship, leadership style, and welfare packages with increasing dissatisfaction in that order. However, the average staff is satisfied with the performance appraisal system as regards promotion. Conclusion: The majority of the clinical staff have a low level of job satisfaction. A review of the salary structure of health professionals as well as improving the working conditions, tools, and infrastructures in the hospital is needed.