Workplace stressors, coping, demographics and job satisfaction in Chinese intensive care nurses

BACKGROUND: Prior research has suggested that certain workplace stressors, coping strategies and demographic characteristics are related to job satisfaction in nurses. Most of the research in this area has been conducted within western culture countries, with little research being carried out in Asian culture countries, especially China. It remains unclear if the findings of the research conducted in western culture countries are applicable to Chinese nurses, especially intensive care nurses. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine, in Chinese intensive care nurses, the most often occurring workplace stressor; the most frequently used coping strategy; and the relationships among workplace stressors, coping strategies, demographic characteristics and job satisfaction. DESIGN: The study design was a survey using four self-report questionnaires. METHODS: One hundred and two intensive care nurses, from four hospitals located in two major cities in central China, were administered four self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Findings suggested that the most frequently cited workplace stressor was workload, while the most commonly used coping strategy was planning. Two hundred and twelve significant positive and negative correlations were found among the various workplace stressors, coping strategies, demographic characteristics and the different factors comprising job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: These findings identify factors that need to be considered when addressing workplace stress, coping strategies and demographic characteristics as they relate to job satisfaction in Chinese intensive care nurses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important for both hospital and nursing administrators to address factors contributing to job satisfaction, so that retention of qualified ICU nurses, within the workforce, will be facilitated.