Objective


This review aimed to bring together findings on main factors that drive nurse job satisfaction and to show gender differences in satisfaction levels, stressors, and work outcomes in different nursing settings.


Methods


Narrative review of selected studies found through focused literature search.


Results


Studies showed that high workload, not enough staff, weak supervisor support, and low pay reduced satisfaction. Research indicated that autonomy from task delegation, respectful communication, strong ethical focus on patient-centred care, and good talent management practices increased satisfaction. Gender differences appeared clearly. Data showed that most nurse practitioners were women. Findings indicated that male nurses experienced more workplace bullying yet showed lower intent to leave, and structural empowerment explained part of this effect. Results showed that men had higher burnout depersonalization scores, while women working in emergency departments presented more PTSD symptoms. Evidence indicated that gender equity in nursing education raised esteem and pride among male nurses.





Conclusion


Nurse job satisfaction decreases when resources and support are missing, but it rises with autonomy and ethical patient care. Gender changes how nurses experience work, which shows that men face more bullying and burnout and bullying, while women appear more vulnerable to PTSD and loss of motivation. More research on combined gender effects is needed.