AIMS: To evaluate validity and reliability of three questionnaires measuring 'work satisfaction', 'patient care' and 'staff health' for staff in elderly care and to study the relationship between staff members' satisfaction with work and perceived stress.

BACKGROUND: Increased workload, difficulties in recruiting and retaining nurses are reported in elderly care. Valid and reliable instruments measuring staffs' perceptions of work are needed.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 299 staff answered the questionnaires.

RESULTS: Factor analysis of 'work satisfaction' gave eight factors, 'patient care' four factors and 'staff health' two factors, explaining 52.2%, 56.4% and 56.8% of the variance. Internal consistency was mostly satisfactory. Multiple regression analysis revealed a model that explained 41% of the variance in perceived stress symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: There was support for the instruments' validity and reliability. Older age, higher scores/satisfaction with workload, cooperation, expectations and demands, personal development and lower scores on internal motivation contributed to less stress.