The Relationship Between Chinese Nurses' Subjective Age and Career Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Role Breadth Self‐Efficacy

ABSTRACT

Aim(s)

To assess career satisfaction among Chinese nurses, explore influencing factors, and examine the mediating role of role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) in the relationship between subjective age and career satisfaction.

Design

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study.

Methods

Between June and October 2024, 2033 questionnaires were distributed to nurses across seven geographic regions in China, collecting data on demographics, subjective age, RBSE, and career satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear stepwise regression, and path analysis were used to identify determinants of career satisfaction and test the mediating effect of RBSE.

Results

The effective response rate was 97%. Chinese nurses reported moderate-to-high career satisfaction, younger subjective age relative to chronological age, and moderate RBSE levels. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified education level, work institution, salary, weekly working hours, subjective age, and RBSE as significant predictors of career satisfaction. Path analysis revealed a significant negative association between subjective age and career satisfaction (β = −0.23, p < 0.001), which was partially mediated by RBSE (indirect effect = −0.11, 95% CI: −0.18 to −0.05).

Conclusions

The career satisfaction of Chinese nurses is at a moderately high level; the influencing factors include the intensity of nursing work and salary levels. There is a certain difference between the subjective age and the chronological age of Chinese nurses. RBSE partly mediates the relationship between subjective age and career satisfaction.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patent Care

Valuing the breadth of nurses' roles, self-efficacy, and subjective age may help improve job satisfaction.

Impact

What problem did the study address?: This study elucidates the present level of career satisfaction among nurses in China and the variables affecting it. What were the main findings?: The subjective age of Chinese nurses influences career satisfaction, with RBSE partly mediating the connection between subjective age and career satisfaction. Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: This study presents novel variables of subjective age and RBSE in the investigation of factors influencing career satisfaction among Chinese nurses, offering new avenues for enhancing career satisfaction in this demographic in the future.

Reporting Method

We adhered to STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.