Journal Article

Professional Involvement is Associated with Increased Job Satisfaction among Dietitians

MORTENSEN, JENNY K., EGGETT, DENNIS L., FULLMER, SUSAN, NYLAND, NORA K.

2002

Overview

This study explored a relationship between professional involvement and job satisfaction among dietitians. A random sample of 2,600 employed registered dietitians (RDs) received a 55-item questionnaire including a standardized measure of job satisfaction. The response rate was 67.3%; 50.8% were useable (n=1,321). Ninety-two percent of RDs reported job satisfaction. The mean score was 68.8±.28 (possible range: 18–90), with scores over 54 indicating job satisfaction. A positive relationship was found between job satisfaction and markers of professional involvement. Additionally, six characteristics related to professional involvement were: having had a mentor, being a mentor, self-assessed high professional involvement, full-time employment, high annual income, and increased hours worked per week. There was also a positive relationship between markers of professional involvement and employer support. We conclude that, overall, RDs are satisfied with their jobs and that greater professional involvement is related to greater job satisfaction. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1452-1454.

• Publisher: Elsevier Inc,American Dietetic Association,Elsevier,Elsevier Science Publishers
• Subject: Adult / Age Distribution / Biological and medical sciences / Dietetics / Dietitians / employment / Employment - psychology / Health participants / Humans / income / Job Satisfaction / Marital Status / Medical sciences / Mentors / Middle Aged / Personal Satisfaction / Professional Competence / Professional development / Professional Practice / Psychological aspects / psychology / Public health. Hygiene / Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine / questionnaires / Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Surveys and Questionnaires