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Objectives: This study aims to explore the value, validity and viability of implementing a daily job satisfaction tool in the operating room (OR) setting. Sample and setting: A daily one-minute survey was developed and trialled with 269 OR staff members (123 nurses) over a three-week period in one New Zealand hospital. Method: A feedback and validation survey was then administered to staff one week following the trial. Results: The trial resulted in 569 tool submissions. A daily average of 71 per cent of participants (69% nurses) reported feeling 'pretty good' or 'great' about their jobs, with 'relationships and communication with colleagues' most influential for both a positive and negative day at work. Findings also supported the validity of the tool and highlighted strengths and areas for improvement. Conclusion: The results of the study provide initial support for the value and feasibility of implementing a daily job satisfaction measurement tool in the OR setting. A daily satisfaction measure has the potential to be a powerful tool for perioperative nursing managers at all levels enabling active measurement and management of nurse job satisfaction from an interprofessional perspective.

This paper outlines how action research was used to develop a real-time job satisfaction measurement tool for the operating room (OR) setting. It offers insight into how collaborative action research can be used in a complex interprofessional setting to create a practical, valid and relevant tool. The study was conducted within one New Zealand hospital OR department during the period of March 2018 – June 2019. Using action research cycles, researchers and hospital personnel collaboratively created an innovative one-minute daily job satisfaction measure called the Morale-o-Meter. Complexities relating to its development and acceptability are explored and reflected upon, in order to draw insight for other researchers who are looking to use this methodology in a similar setting.