Job satisfaction among expatriate nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

The role of professional identity and job satisfaction in paediatric nurses' intention to remain employed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected nursing, as nurses are crucial in providing healthcare services. Understanding the factors influencing nurse retention is essential for maintaining a strong and long-lasting workforce because nurse retention is becoming increasingly complex. This study aimed to investigate the influence of professional identity and job satisfaction on the intention to remain employed while also evaluating the levels of professional identity, job satisfaction, and intention to stay among paediatric nurses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This correlational and descriptive study included a stratified sample of 257 paediatric nurses and was guided by the STROBE checklist. Data were collected through valid and reliable questionnaires, which included a nurses' professional identity scale, job satisfaction survey, intention to stay scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Data collection was conducted from January to April 2022. The study was approved by the ethical research committee at the Nursing Faculty - Mansoura University, ensuring adherence to the Helsinki Declaration. The paediatric nurses reported elevated professional identity, moderate job satisfaction, and moderate intention to stay employed with mean scores of 80.35 ± 13.22, 113.70 ± 19.58, and 8.40 ± 3.55, respectively. Multiple regression explained 13.0% of the variation in paediatric nurses' intention to remain employed (F = 18.50, p < 0.001). Professional identity positively correlated with the intention to stay (β = 2.69, p = 0.008). Job satisfaction also had a positive relationship with the intention to stay (β = 3.49, p < 0.001). Healthcare managers should focus on professional identity strategies such as supportive work environments, growth opportunities, and valuing paediatric nurses' contributions. Implementing interventions such as fair compensation, support, and rewards can enhance paediatric nurses' retention and quality of patient care.

The impact of COVID-19 on nurses' job satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The global healthcare landscape was profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic placing nurses squarely at the heart of this emergency. This review aimed to identify the factors correlated with nurses' job satisfaction, the impact of their job satisfaction on both themselves and their patients, and to explore strategies that might have counteracted their job dissatisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence was used in this review. The electronic databases of CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO and Academic Search Complete were searched between January 2020 to February 2023.

Results

The literature review identified 23 studies from 20 countries on nurses' job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pooled prevalence of 69.6% of nurses were satisfied with personal, environmental, and psychological factors influencing their job satisfaction. Job satisfaction improved psychological wellbeing and quality of life, while dissatisfaction was linked to turnover and mental health issues.

Conclusion

This systematic review elucidates key factors impacting nurses' job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on healthcare provision, and the potential countermeasures for job dissatisfaction. Core influences include working conditions, staff relationships, and career opportunities. High job satisfaction correlates with improved patient care, reduced burnout, and greater staff retention.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023405947, the review title has been registered in PROSPERO and the registration number is CRD42023405947.