Job Security, Performance and Career Advancement of Nurses in a Public Hospital

Abstract

This study examined the overall significance of job security, job performance, and career advancement opportunities among registered nurses working within a public hospital setting. To achieve this, a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was utilized in this study. Comprehensive data were collected from a diverses sample of nurses employed in a public hospital using both a self-made survey questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. The primary findings revealed that nurses' workplace safety and protection emerged as the strongest contributing factor, while financial security was identified as the weakest dimension. In terms of job performance, the participating nurses consistently demonstrated a remarkably high level of competence, particularly in delivering high-quality patient care, maintaining strict professional responsibility, and exhibiting highly effective interpersonal skills. Furthermore, career advancement was found to positively influence nurses’ motivation, personal confidence, and overall job performance. Also, the collected data shows that nurses who perceived greater financial security and clearer opportunities for advancement were more likely to exhibit higher levels of motivation, commitment, and efficiency in their roles. The study concluded that enhancing job security, particularly the element of financial security, and providing well-structured career advancement pathways are absolutely essential in improving nurses’ overall performance. As a direct result of these findings, a proposed output titled Job Security, Performance and Career Advancement (JPECA) Handbook for Nurses, was crafted. This handbook was specifically designed to provide a practical and visual guide that emphasizes three fundamental dimensions of nursing practice, plus financial management tips for nurses working in a public hospital.