Relational and Organisational Factors Relating to Job Satisfaction Among Critical Care Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• The global nursing shortage presents significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide.
• Nurse job satisfaction is a critical factor influencing turnover rates, particularly in high-stress intensive care units (ICUs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify relational and organizational factors impacting job satisfaction among ICU nurses.
• To address the underexplored factors influencing job satisfaction in critical care nursing.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, correlational study surveyed 200 ICU nurses across 21 Korean hospitals.
• Data collected on relational factors (situation monitoring, nurse-physician relationships, leader identification) and organizational factors (safety climate, workplace safety systems).
• Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine relationships with job satisfaction.

Main Results:

• All investigated relational and organizational factors were positively associated with job satisfaction.
• Leader identification (β=0.328, p<0.001) had the strongest positive association with job satisfaction.
• Safety climate (β=0.160, p=0.041), workplace safety systems (β=0.153, p=0.023), and collegial nurse-physician relationships (β=0.139, p=0.033) also significantly influenced job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Job satisfaction in ICU nurses is significantly influenced by both relational and organizational factors.
• Enhancing nurse leader identification, interprofessional collaboration, safety climate, and safety systems are crucial for improving job satisfaction.
• Healthcare organizations should prioritize these factors to support nurses in high-acuity settings.