Relationships Between Generation Z Nurses' Agility, Nursing Competence, and Job Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: To identify the relationships among agility, nursing competence, and job satisfaction in Generation Z nurses, and the mediating role of nursing competence. Background: Workforce agility, which enables nurses to adapt effectively to dynamic clinical environments, may influence both nursing competence and job satisfaction. Given the limited research on this topic, this study explores the mediating role of nursing competence in the relationship between workforce agility and job satisfaction in the nursing field. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 376 Generation Z nurses working in clinical settings at hospitals across South Korea. Multiple linear regression, along with Model 4 of Hayes's PROCESS macro and bootstrap methods, was applied for statistical analysis. Results: Workforce agility and nursing competence showed a statistically significant positive association with job satisfaction. Moreover, nursing competence mediated the relationship between workforce agility and job satisfaction. Discussion: The findings advance understanding of generational traits and offer strategic insights for nursing organizational management. Notably, agility constitutes a critical determinant of nursing performance, revealing human resource management gaps and underscoring the need for tailored organizational strategies and programs. Conclusion: This study suggests that nursing competence acts as a mediating factor in the relationship between workforce agility and job satisfaction. Implications for Nursing: Research focuses on analyzing the concept of workforce agility in nursing and developing appropriate measurement criteria, while nursing education incorporates agility training to help nurses adapt to dynamic healthcare environments. Implications for Nursing Policy: Nurse managers establish policies that enhance nursing human resource management systems based on an understanding of Generation Z.