Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Occupational well-being of intensive care unit nurses is an indispensable element in carrying out their roles and function in any healthcare institution. Thus, identifying their level of stress and job satisfaction is essential in addressing this phenomenon. The study aimed to determine the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction specific to intensive care unit staff nurses of Prince Mohammed binAbdulaziz Hospital (PMAH)- Riyadh. This study utilized theExpanded Nurses Stress Scale and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. A descriptive, correlational design was used in this study. Intensive care nursing practice is stressful as it poses multiple demands from patients, recipients of care, patients’ families and professional groups working and dedicated to each patient. The support from nursing administrator on staff nurses’ roles and responsibilities provide job satisfaction. Study findings will serve as a baseline data that will guide nursing leaders on where to give focus and what strategies needed to improve the wellbeing of staff nurses and create an evidenced based staff retention plan. Addressing the well- being of staff nurses is not a one-time project it needs to be continuously monitored and evaluated periodically.