Teamwork and job satisfaction among nurses in pediatric intensive care unit

Teamwork in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is crucial due to the high-pressure environment, which requires swift decisions, multiple concurrent care interventions, and effective real-time communication. Job satisfaction is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors, and emerging evidence highlights a link between teamwork and job satisfaction. This study aimed to examine teamwork, job satisfaction, and their relationship among PICU nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The sample consisted of 200 nurses from PICUs, selected through census sampling. Inclusion criteria comprised voluntary participation and a minimum of 6 months of PICU experience. Data were collected using a demographic-occupational characteristics questionnaire, the Nursing Teamwork Scale (NTS), and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ-short form). Analyses were conducted in SPSS-26 using independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results revealed a mean teamwork score of 107.13 (SD = 19.20) and a job satisfaction score of 61.74 (SD = 10.00). The highest teamwork score was observed for the "shared mental model", while the lowest was for "team orientation". A significant positive correlation was found between overall teamwork (and all its subscales) and job satisfaction (r = 0.402-0.485, p < 0.001). The results of a multiple linear regression model showed that teamwork emerged as the only statistically significant predictor of job satisfaction (B = 0.190, p < 0.001). Additionally, shift type, education, and interest in the nursing profession were significant predictors of teamwork. This study emphasizes teamwork's key role in PICU nurses' job satisfaction. Healthcare policymakers should prioritize teamwork development to boost clinical and occupational outcomes.