Introduction: Researchers are trying to identify the different components of job satisfaction to measured relatively important components. It is essential that the concept of job satisfaction is explained properly and transparently. Unfortunately, many tools on the job satisfaction, the concept have not been defined in clear form.

Aim: In this study, we tried to explain the nature of job satisfaction concept in literatures.

Method: An integrative review of literature conducted to clarify the nature of job satisfaction concept. We used key words job satisfaction / dis-satisfaction in key words, text and title in nursing and health allied articles, by using electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, SID, ERIC, and PsychInfo. At last 38 articles found that were printed from 1986 to 2012. Their entrance criteria were Persian / English language had key words in text or title and keywords. Commentary or editor letters were excluding. Each article was examined according to subjects definition of job satisfaction, theoretical aspects, outcomes and antecedents of job satisfaction.For analyzing, controversial content analyses was used.

Results: In order to answer the research questions, the seven themes were extracted from the review of articles. These themes were: Job satisfaction as a pleasant feeling, a positive attitude to job satisfaction, job satisfaction as a judgment and as a value. These themes were identified from existing theory. Job satisfaction as a multidimensional construct, job satisfaction as a dependent and an independent variable, job satisfaction as antecedents and consequences were derived from review of literature.

Conclusion: This study showed that job satisfaction has a dynamic, complex and multi-dimensional nature. Some components of this concept are abstract and are rooted in existing theories. In order to design valid and reliable tools for measuring job satisfaction it must be defined these abstractions aspects quantitatively and objectively.