Comparative Evaluation Of The Level Of Job Satisfaction Among Radiographers At State And Federal Teaching Hospitals In South East, Nigeria

This study is aimed at comparatively evaluating the level of job satisfaction among radiographers at state and Federal Teaching Hospitals in South-East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of fifty-two (52) radiographers working at state and Federal Teaching Hospital in South-East Nigeria was conducted. The result indicates that most radiographers in both state and Federal Teaching Hospitals agree that they are generally satisfied with their jobs, slightly higher in State than in Federal, at 76.2% and 74.2% respectively but would as well prefer another job if given opportunity. Pay package, position, practice in various modalities and nature of equipment contribute to job satisfaction in different ways in the two system of hospitals. Gender and number of years in practice have a negative relationship with job satisfaction as they do not contribute to the satisfaction of radiographers. However, radiographers suggested that conducive working environment, use of modern equipments and role extension among others would help improve job satisfaction. In conclusion, radiographers working in state and Federal teaching Hospitals are not satisfied with their job and would prefer another job if given a choice. This may be the reason behind the paucity of radiographers in the profession and migration outside the country.

Key Words: Radiographers, Job satisfaction, South-East Nigeria, State Teaching Hospitals, Federal Teaching Hospitals.     

 

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE 

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

 

Job satisfaction has been a subject of discourse by different authors in different contexts. It has been defined as the pleasurable or positive emotional state that results from the appraisal of one’s job or job experience1. It could be one-dimensional where one is either generally satisfied or dissatisfied with one’s job2 or multi-dimensional where one may be more or less satisfied with some aspects of one’s job which may include the supervisor, pay, condition of work place and so on3. Job satisfaction in radiography is looked at in terms of an individual matching his personal needs with the perceived potentials of the occupation for satisfying his or her needs and where there is discrepancy between an individual’s needs and what the job offers, there will be dissatisfaction4.

To ensure productive employees in a competitive health care market, job satisfaction is an important component of the workplace that needs to be assessed continually bearing in mind that happy employees lead to more productive employees. A radiographer perceives a sense of satisfaction when he performs his duty effectively while remaining confident in his skills, when being respected by employers, physicians and co-workers and of course when he feels compensated for the job he performs. These variables, undoubtedly, are important contributors to job satisfaction but true satisfaction with one’s career comes from within5.

An individual’s satisfaction is a function of both the number and the amount of the reward he receives as well as what he considers to be a fair level of reward. He can be satisfied with a small amount of reward it he feels that it is fair for the job while still having a positive attitude about his job towards self-actualization. 

It is important to note that individual’s expectation of his or her job in determining job satisfaction may vary for a number of reasons, some deriving from social condition in which they live, others from individual causes. Hence, studies of job satisfaction which show that what individuals want out of a job can vary with age, sex, occupation, social group and individual expectations serve to emphasize this. To tackle the problem of job satisfaction involves an understanding of what expectation and values can vary from group to group and among individuals within a group6.

A study on the basis of radiographers’ satisfaction in the radiographic field needs to be explored, the level of experience and range in modalities acquaintance in both current and upcoming technologies as well as benefits and incentives offered at the hospital in which radiographers are employed require comparative evaluation at state and federal teaching hospitals. These informed my decision to carryout a project on the comparative evaluation of the level of job satisfaction among radiographers at state and federal teaching hospitals in South Eastern Zone of Nigeria.