Job satisfaction of healthcare professionals in palliative care departments and factors affecting job satisfaction during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background/Aim. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly impact on the healthcare system, particularly healthcare providers such as nurses, who were obliged to adhere to strict procedures and had to manage their time effectively during their shifts. The aim of this study was to to identify internal strengths, weaknesses, threats, and challenges in palliative care management during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspective of nurses. Methods. A cross-sectional research was conducted on a 100% sample of nurses working in hospital-based palliative care in two clinics in Belgrade (47 respondents in total). The research instrument was a Questionnaire on Employee Satisfaction. The survey was conducted during September and October 2022, according to ethical standards and principles. Results. The research revealed that nurses' job satisfaction was moderate (3.43), influenced by adequate financial compensation and the implementation of measures to prevent and control COVID- 19 infection. The dimensions of management significantly related to respondents' satisfaction were motivation and adequacy of hygienic conditions and measures to control COVID-19 infection (?2 = 62.83; p = 0.004** and ?2 = 36.42; p = 0.006**, respectively). Conclusion. Nurses who experienced stress at work in regular conditions tended to react the same way in different conditions, such as those related to COVID-19 infection. The toughest issues for management is recognizing the importance of nurses? job by the social community. Therefore, it is important to respect and support the most important professional values of nurses such as valuable achievements, importance of professional challenge, personal growth and development and independence in one?s practice.