11 January 2024 | Yasin M. Yasin, Albara Alomari, Areej Al-Hamad and Vahe Kehayayan
This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' job satisfaction. The study analyzed 23 studies from 20 countries, revealing that 69.6% of nurses were satisfied with their jobs during the pandemic. Factors influencing job satisfaction included personal and demographic aspects, work environment, and psychological and emotional factors. Nurses with higher experience, older age, and those with family support reported higher job satisfaction. Positive work environments, adequate resources, and supportive supervision were linked to higher job satisfaction, while working in high-risk areas, job insecurity, and excessive workloads were associated with lower satisfaction. Psychological factors such as anxiety, role conflicts, and fear of infection also negatively impacted job satisfaction. Conversely, positive behaviors and adaptability post-trauma were linked to improved job satisfaction and post-traumatic growth.
Job satisfaction had significant positive and negative consequences. High job satisfaction was associated with improved mental wellbeing, professional quality of life, and organizational commitment. It also reduced burnout and increased staff retention. Conversely, job dissatisfaction was linked to higher turnover intentions, mental health issues, and burnout. Interventions such as motivational messages and organizational proactive management were found to improve job satisfaction. The review highlights the importance of addressing job satisfaction to enhance healthcare delivery and nurse wellbeing, especially during pandemics. Limitations include the focus on English-language studies and potential variability in measurement methods. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to support nurses' job satisfaction, including improved working conditions, adequate resources, and mental health support. The study underscores the critical role of job satisfaction in maintaining nurse wellbeing and quality of patient care during health crises.This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' job satisfaction. The study analyzed 23 studies from 20 countries, revealing that 69.6% of nurses were satisfied with their jobs during the pandemic. Factors influencing job satisfaction included personal and demographic aspects, work environment, and psychological and emotional factors. Nurses with higher experience, older age, and those with family support reported higher job satisfaction. Positive work environments, adequate resources, and supportive supervision were linked to higher job satisfaction, while working in high-risk areas, job insecurity, and excessive workloads were associated with lower satisfaction. Psychological factors such as anxiety, role conflicts, and fear of infection also negatively impacted job satisfaction. Conversely, positive behaviors and adaptability post-trauma were linked to improved job satisfaction and post-traumatic growth.
Job satisfaction had significant positive and negative consequences. High job satisfaction was associated with improved mental wellbeing, professional quality of life, and organizational commitment. It also reduced burnout and increased staff retention. Conversely, job dissatisfaction was linked to higher turnover intentions, mental health issues, and burnout. Interventions such as motivational messages and organizational proactive management were found to improve job satisfaction. The review highlights the importance of addressing job satisfaction to enhance healthcare delivery and nurse wellbeing, especially during pandemics. Limitations include the focus on English-language studies and potential variability in measurement methods. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to support nurses' job satisfaction, including improved working conditions, adequate resources, and mental health support. The study underscores the critical role of job satisfaction in maintaining nurse wellbeing and quality of patient care during health crises.