Job satisfaction among nurses working in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is one of the key factors related to the work efficiency of nursing staff. Its level may affect the degree of the professional's commitment to work and effectiveness in performing their professional tasks. For a modern organisation, job satisfaction is associated with a number of benefits for both the employee and the employer. Job satisfaction of nurses is extremely important due to their professional tasks being related to the care of patients. Nurses with low levels of job satisfaction may have less capabilities to provide high quality care and thus maintain a high level of patient satisfaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study which included 302 people practising the profession of a nurse and employed in a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The level of job satisfaction was assessed using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), which was preceded by questions characterising the research group. The questionnaire was delivered to the respondents in electronic form.

RESULTS: The respondents obtained an average result in terms of the level of job satisfaction (M±SD 58.53±11.42). The highest rated area was the chance to do something good for other people (M±SD 3.85±0.87), and the lowest rated areas included: the method of work evaluation and the remuneration system (M±SD 2.24±0.74), the chances for advancement (M±SD 2.38±0.94) and the chance to take up senior positions (M±SD 2.39±0.88) as well as the number of tasks to be performed during the working day (M±SD 2.40±0.86).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, average values of the level of job satisfaction were obtained. A higher level of job satisfaction was shown by those employed in a non-infectious hospital and those with higher monthly earnings. Employers' policy should focus on improving working conditions, the remuneration system and promotion opportunities. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(4):271-8.