Radiologic Technologists’ Job Satisfaction: A Look at Work Environment, Communication, and Leadership

PURPOSE: To explore radiologic technologist job satisfaction pertaining to work environment, communication, and leadership. METHODS: Investigators designed and distributed a 12-item survey to 117 registered technologists (R.T.s). Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t tests, and a univariate analysis of variance. RESULTS: Fifty-nine R.T.s responded to the survey. No significant differences in total satisfaction scores were found between technologists who have an associate degree and those who have a bachelor's degree. A univariate analysis of variance yielded a significant difference in satisfaction scores between technologists with different levels of experience. R.T.s with fewer than 20 years of experience were less satisfied than technologists with 20 or more years of experience. DISCUSSION: Results suggest R.T.s want effective leadership and appreciate continuing education opportunities and supportive peers. R.T.s valued being recognized for good work and were less satisfied with changes in administration because of moving to a system-wide approach. R.T. satisfaction influenced by length of time in the profession demonstrated a pattern of overall greater satisfaction among those in the field 20 or more years. An exception to this group's overall greater satisfaction is their low scoring of satisfaction with recent changes involved in becoming a hospital system. CONCLUSION: R.T.s value competent leadership, teamwork, peer support, and effective communication.