Work Environment, Job Satisfaction, and Work Ability Among Nurses in Emergency Medical Services: A Pilot Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26332/1yzxzt82Keywords:
emergency nursing, workplace environment, job satisfaction, pilot studyAbstract
Aim: To examine the association between the nursing work environment, job satisfaction, and work ability among emergency medical service nurses.
Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in emergency medical services in two Croatian counties between May and July 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic items and two validated instruments (PES-NWI and WAI). Nonparametric tests, correlation analysis, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied.
Results: Overall, 90 participants (92.8%) had good or excellent work ability (WAI). Staffing and Resource Adequacy differed significantly across work settings (P = 0.002), with lower WAI among dispatch or non-emergency transport staff (median 38.8) compared with Team I (median 43.0) and Team II (median 44.5) (P < 0.001). Work ability was significantly correlated with the nursing practice environment, job satisfaction, and belief in upcoming healthcare reforms, with the strongest association observed between job satisfaction and belief in healthcare improvements (Spearman's rho = 0.725). In multivariate logistic regression, nurses’ participation in hospital work predicted excellent work ability (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.16–2.83).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that characteristics of the nursing work environment are associated with job satisfaction and work ability among emergency care nurses, highlighting the potential importance of supportive leadership, adequate staffing, and opportunities for professional participation.
Keywords: emergency nursing, workplace environment, job satisfaction, pilot study
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Copyright (c) 2026 Bajan N, Raguž Vinković M, Kralik K, Vukušić M, Bajan A, Matijašić- Bodalec D, Mehičić A, Šolić K.
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