Moderating effect of work‐related social support on the relationship between role conflicts and job satisfaction among female nurses pursuing a further degree in China

Abstract Aim This study aimed to determine the moderating effect of work‐related social support on the relationship between work–family–school role conflicts and job satisfaction among female registered nurses pursuing further degrees in China. Methods The study had a cross‐sectional correlational design. Convenience sampling was applied to recruit participants from eight hospitals in China from January to August 2017. SPSS software and the PROCESS macro were used to conduct the data analyses in the present study. Results A total of 320 nurses were included in the present study. Work–family–school role conflicts were negatively correlated with job satisfaction ( r = −0.21, P < 0.001). Work‐related social support was a significant moderator (interaction effect: β = 0.22, P = 0.039) on the relationship between work–family–school role conflicts and job satisfaction. Conclusions The study revealed that when nurses perceived that they received a low or moderate level of social support in the workplace that strengthened the relationship between work–family–school role conflicts and job satisfaction. Hospital administrators should implement school‐ and family‐friendly policies that increase the social support provided to nurses pursuing further degrees to balance their responsibilities of work, family and school and to improve their job satisfaction.