Job Satisfaction of Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurses

Nurse certification became available to nurses working in the practice area of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2002. However, the impact of certification on the MS nurse's role and both satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the certified role have not yet been determined, which was the purpose of this study. With a qualitative study design and an international sample of 168 certified MS nurses, data from open-ended questions were analyzed regarding role change, job satisfaction, and job dissatisfaction. Findings indicated enhanced role change and job satisfaction regarding increased autonomy, colleagueship, leadership roles, and primary care nursing. Dissatisfaction for some was attributed to insufficient resources and benefits, along with administrator failure to recognize the value and importance of certified nurses.