Resilience and Emotional Intelligence of Staff Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The mediating role of resilience in job satisfaction and burnout among Chinese plateau military personnel

Despite the challenging working conditions in plateau regions, research on factors influencing job satisfaction among military personnel in these areas is limited, particularly regarding burnout and resilience. Job satisfaction is closely linked to career development and work effectiveness. Given the unique occupational characteristics of military personnel, particularly those stationed in plateau regions, it is essential to examine their job satisfaction. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of burnout on the job satisfaction of military personnel in plateau regions and to explore whether resilience serves as a mediating factor in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 2,054 military personnel from Tibet and Qinghai provinces in China by stratified random cluster sampling. The instruments utilized included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of job satisfaction, while structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the pathway from burnout to job satisfaction. The results from hierarchical linear regression indicated that both burnout and resilience are significant predictors of job satisfaction among military personnel in plateau areas (P < 0.01). In SEM analysis, the total effect of burnout on job satisfaction was found to be -8.862 (95%CI[-9.049, -8.673], P < 0.001). Furthermore, resilience partially mediated the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction; specifically, the indirect effect accounted for 24.6% of the total effect.These findings suggest that burnout significantly impacts job satisfaction among military personnel stationed in plateau regions while highlighting that resilience can mitigate some negative effects associated with burnout on job satisfaction. Consequently, it is recommended that military managers focus on enhancing military personnel' resilience as a strategy for better coping with various occupational pressures encountered in plateau environments-ultimately improving work efficiency and supporting healthy career development for these individuals.

Personal and work-related factors associated with nurse resilience: An updated systematic review using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND

Nursing shortages and increased workforce turnover have significantly increased nurses' workloads, thus increasing the risk of burnout and stress, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review published in 2019 suggested that resilience could act as a buffer to adversity; however, the factors associated with resilience during and after this global pandemic have not been identified.

OBJECTIVES

To identify personal and work-related factors associated with nurse resilience, including the period during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted between January and February 2024 in the following databases: CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Scopus, using the key terms 'resilience', 'hardiness', 'work', 'employ', 'occupation', 'job', and 'nursing'.

REVIEW METHODS

Quantitative studies with English full text, published between 2018 and 2024, were selected if they assessed resilience and its associated factors among nurses providing direct patient care. Two authors independently completed the data selection process. Studies with quality assessment grades of 3 or above were included for final analysis. A meta-analysis was utilised for the mean resilience levels from studies using the same measures of resilience, and a narrative synthesis was performed for the demographic and work-related factors.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine cross-sectional studies with a quality assessment score of 3 or above were included. Forty-seven studies were included in a meta-analysis, which reported an estimated mean resilience level of 20.69 using a random-effects model (95 % CI [18.53, 22.85], z = 18.79, p < 0.0001, I2 = 95.1 %). Twenty studies with the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC)-25 and five with the CD-RISC-10 were meta-analysed for the mean resilience levels of 62.85 (95 % CI: [55.60, 70.10], z = 16.97, p < 0.0001, I2 = 31.70 %) and 26.34 (95 % CI: [20.85, 31.83], p < 0.0001, I2 = 0 %), respectively. A low mean resilience level was identified. Sixteen demographic factors were identified as associated with resilience. Twenty job demand factors negatively associated with resilience were determined and categorised into exhaustion, psychological factors, and work challenges. Thirty-two job resource factors positively related to resilience were identified and classified into the following categories: psychological factors, leadership, work performance, well-being and quality of life, and social and organisational support.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the job demand and resource factors can help organisations minimise the risks and develop institutional strategies to protect nurses from the negative impact of COVID-19 or future pandemics on nurses' well-being.

Evaluation of professional nursing practice environments in primary health care

Objective

Analyzing the environments of professional nursing practice in Primary Health Care in a municipality in the west of the state of Santa Catarina.

Method

A quantitative, explanatory, cross-sectional study was carried out in 24 Primary Care health units. A total of 159 nursing professionals took part and answered a questionnaire on personal and professional characteristics and the Nursing Professional Practice Evaluation Scale/SEE-Nursing Practice, comprised of Structure, Process, and Outcome sub-scales. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis.

Results

There were positive evaluations for people management and leadership in the Structure dimension. Technicians and nursing assistants had positive evaluations of the organization and sustainability of practice. In Process, collaboration and teamwork stood out, and strategies to guarantee the quality of care. In the Outcome dimension, there was a relationship between gender and systematic evaluation of care, with higher scores among women.

Conclusion

A positive evaluation of professional nursing practice environments in Primary Care contributes to the effective management of people, materials, and care processes, reflecting on the quality of nursing practice and access to healthcare.

The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence on the Relationship Between Nurses' Preparedness to Care for COVID-19 Patients and Their Quality of Work Life

Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a key factor in healthcare, where managing emotions is vital for job satisfaction, productivity, and interpersonal relationships. For nurses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, EI plays a pivotal role in navigating emotional challenges and improving their quality of work life (QoWL). This study examined how EI moderates the relationship between nurses' preparedness to care for COVID-19 patients and their QoWL. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used, involving 267 nurses from various healthcare settings. Data were collected through the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Quality of Nursing Work Life survey, and demographic questionnaires. The sample was predominantly female (94.4%), with a mean age of 37.47 years (SD = 8.09) and an average of 8.43 years of experience (SD = 6.33). Most nurses (87.3%) attended COVID-19-related workshops, with 76.4% feeling prepared to care for COVID-19 patients. Emotional intelligence levels were high, with 93.6% of nurses reporting good personal competence and 85.4% reporting good social competence. Descriptive results showed that 71% of nurses perceived their QoWL as good, while 29% rated it as fair. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between both personal competence (r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and social competence (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) with QoWL, but preparedness to care for COVID-19 patients did not correlate significantly with either EI or QoWL. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that, although nurses' preparedness alone did not predict QoWL (β = 0.034, p = 0.57), including emotional intelligence as a moderator explains 41% of the variance in QoWL. Both personal (β = 0.578, p < 0.001) and social competence (β = 0.665, p < 0.001) components of EI had significant buffering effects on the relationship between preparedness and QoWL. These findings suggest that fostering EI in nurses can enhance their resilience and improve their work life quality, particularly in high-stress healthcare environments like those experienced during the pandemic.

Perceived Stress, Resilience and Emotional Intelligence in Romanian Healthcare Professionals

BACKGROUND

Occupational stress and burnout in the medical field are common factors that can have a negative impact on the quality of clinical care. In the Romanian healthcare environment, there exists important financial difficulties contributing additionally to stress in this study, we aimed to investigate if resilience and emotional intelligence would prove to be protective factors against stress.

METHODS

In our cross-sectional study, we investigated 189 medical professionals, using convenience sampling, from July 2022 to September 2022 in two university centers. We applied a self-reported questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and three scales that measured perceived stress (the Perceived Stress Scale), resilience to stress (the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and emotional intelligence (the short-form Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire).

RESULTS

Age was positively associated with resilience levels, meaning that resilience increases with age. While specialist physicians had the highest emotional intelligence score, nurses and other healthcare workers had the highest resilience scores. Perceived stress level was negatively correlated with resilience to stress and with emotional intelligence levels. Resilience to stress was positively correlated with emotional intelligence.

CONCLUSIONS

The major strength of this study is the finding that resilience to stress mediated the association between perceived stress and emotional intelligence. Because resilience is negatively associated with burnout, resilience to stress and emotional intelligence are potential targets for training aimed at improving the working environment and reducing current levels of burnout in the Romanian Health System and beyond.

Exploring Nurses' Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Settings in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Nurses working in palliative and end-of-life care settings face significant emotional challenges due to the demanding nature of their profession. This study aimed to explore the emotional resilience of these nurses, understanding the factors that contribute to their resilience, the impact on their professional well-being and performance, and strategies to enhance resilience.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted involving 15 registered nurses from various healthcare facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observational data. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes.

RESULTS

The study identified three key themes: Emotional Challenges and Resilience-Building, Support Systems and Resources for Resilience, and Professional Growth and Fulfillment as Resilience Factors. The findings revealed the emotional toll of patient suffering, highlighting resilience-building strategies, such as peer support, mindfulness, and reflective practices. Support systems, including workplace support, organizational resources, and mentorship, were identified as crucial for fostering resilience. Professional growth, a sense of purpose, and recognition emerged as factors contributing to resilience.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the importance of emotional resilience for nurses in palliative and end-of-life care settings. Healthcare organizations can enhance resilience by implementing resilience training, providing counseling services, fostering a supportive culture, and offering professional development opportunities. Addressing the emotional needs of nurses is vital for their well-being and the delivery of compassionate care.

Emotional intelligence of health personnel and safety climate in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between the emotional intelligence of healthcare workers in a hospital environment and their perception of the safety climate in the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

Cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out with 81 health workers who worked in hospitals during the pandemic, between September and November 2021. Data collection was carried out using an electronic form, which included a sociodemographic/occupational questionnaire and the Brazilian versions of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire and the Schutte Self Test. Spearman's correlation test and simple and multiple linear regression analyses were applied.

RESULTS

An increase of 1 point in emotional intelligence levels resulted in an increase of 0.487 points in the perception of the safety climate. The most significant predictor of this perception was the ability to manage other people's emotions (β=0.334; p=0.003; R2=0.168).

CONCLUSION

A higher level of emotional intelligence in hospital healthcare workers was related to a greater perception of the safety climate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of prior care experience on nursing students' compassionate values and behaviours: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Compassion is critical to the provision of high-quality healthcare and is foregrounded internationally as an issue of contemporary concern. Paid care experience prior to nurse training has been suggested as a potential means of improving compassion, which has been characterised by the values and behaviours of care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, and commitment. There is however a dearth of evidence to support the effectiveness of prior care experience as a means of improving compassion in nursing.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of paid prior care experience on the values and behaviours of pre-registration nursing students indicated as characterising compassionate care.

DESIGN

Longitudinal mixed methods design employing a modified concurrent triangulation strategy, comprising two work packages. Work package 1 was qualitative, and work package 2 adopted a concurrent embedded strategy with a dominant quantitative component. Research is reported in accordance with the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study framework.

SETTING(S)

Three United Kingdom universities.

PARTICIPANTS

Pre-registration nursing students attending one of three universities, and individuals who had previously participated in a Health Education England paid prior care experience pilot. Participant numbers at time point 1 were questionnaires n = 220, telephone interviews n = 10, and focus groups n = 8.

METHODS

Work package 1 consisted of longitudinal semi-structured telephone interviews. Work package 2 comprised validated online questionnaires measuring emotional intelligence, compassion satisfaction and fatigue, resilience, psychological empowerment, and career commitment (as proxies of compassionate values and behaviours), and focus groups. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Quantitative data were analysed via Analysis of Variance in SPSS v 26.

RESULTS

Qualitative findings suggest that prior care experience has both positive and negative effects on students' compassionate values and behaviours, however positive effects do not extend to qualification. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the quantitative outcome measures between participants with and without paid prior care experience. A statistically significant increase in compassion fatigue was identified in both groups of participants post-qualification. Paid prior care experience did not prevent participants from experiencing reality shock on becoming a student or on qualification.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence of longitudinal beneficial impact to recommend paid prior care experience as an effective intervention to foster nursing students' compassionate values and behaviours. These findings do not support mandating a period of paid care experience as a prerequisite for entry into nurse education.

REGISTRATION

N/A. Tweetable abstract Insufficient evidence of longitudinal beneficial impact to recommend prior care experience as an effective intervention to foster nursing student compassion @PriorCareExp @Sarah_F_R.

Emotional Intelligence among Female Nursing Leaders in a Transformational Era

Background

Emotional intelligence (EI) is an instrumental quality for effective management in the changing landscape of healthcare leadership, specifically among female nursing leaders.

Aim

This study aims to assess the EI among female nursing leaders in Saudi Arabian hospitals and to examine its connection with leadership and effectiveness of decision-making during a transformational period.

Methods

This study applied a correlational descriptive cross-sectional methodology to gather data from 232 female nursing leaders. The data were collected via an online survey using convenience sampling. The study incorporated demographic data as well as a 16-item EI scale. Approval was granted by the ethics committee, and the participants' privacy was appropriately ensured.

Results

The majority of the participants were experienced professionals aged 25 years and above, with a significant proportion holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and over five years of leadership experience. The study revealed a positive connection between EI and self-leadership (self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-motivation), especially among leaders with more experience. An investigation considering many variables revealed a noteworthy model that explains 55.2% of the variation in EI scores. This model portrays that higher self-leadership scores, as well as longer experience, are predictors of higher levels of EI.

Conclusions

This study has found that EI is widespread among female nursing leaders, and it is meaningfully and positively associated with their aptitude for self-leadership. The fact that more leadership experience correlated with higher EI signifies the need for focused EI development programs in the nursing leadership curriculum. These insights are instrumental for developing leadership that can effectually manage the intricacies of the evolving healthcare transition.

Nurses' Job Burnout and Resilience in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between job burnout and resilience among nurses working in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Oman.

BACKGROUND

NICUs induce a significant amount of stress that predisposes nurses to a substantial degree of burnout. Resilience can play a role in reducing the effects of job burnout. A limited number of studies have examined job burnout and resilience among NICU nurses.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess burnout, and the Brief Resilience Scale was used to assess perceptions of resilience. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between job burnout and resilience.

RESULTS

A total of 173 staff nurses participated. Participants reported low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but moderate levels on the personal accomplishment subscale. Nurses reported moderate levels of resilience. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were negatively correlated with resilience, while personal accomplishment was positively correlated with resilience.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that enhancing resilience can reduce the effect of burnout among NICU nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

Enhancing levels of resilience among NICU nurses, in addition to providing adequate managerial support and good collegial relations, is essential to reduce their perceived job burnout.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and job stressors of psychiatric nurses: A multi-centre cross-sectional study

AIM

To investigate the impact of socio-demographic factors and job stressors on the emotional intelligence of psychiatric nurses.

BACKGROUND

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in enabling nurses to effectively manage their own emotions, comprehend the emotions of others and assist individuals in dealing with diverse stressors. Nevertheless, a comprehensive conceptualization of the relationship between job stressors and emotional intelligence remains lacking.

DESIGN

This study employs a multi-centre cross-sectional design.

METHODS

A multi-centre cross-sectional survey involving 1083 registered nurses from 11 psychiatric hospitals across four provinces in China was conducted. Non-probability sampling was utilised. The survey encompassed assessments of nurse job stressors, emotional intelligence using a scale and socio-demographic characteristics using a questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was applied to identify significant variables associated with emotional intelligence based on demographic attributes and various nurse job stressors. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

The findings revealed a noteworthy negative correlation between nurse job stressors and emotional intelligence. Socio-demographic factors and job stressors of certain nurses were able to predict emotional intelligence and its dimensions among psychiatric nurses, with percentages of 44.50%, 40.10%, 36.40%, 36.60% and 34.60%.

CONCLUSION

Providing emotional intelligence training for psychiatric nurses could enhance their capacity to cope effectively with workplace stress, particularly among younger nurses who engage in limited physical activities.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and nurse job stressors could facilitate early detection and intervention by managers based on pertinent factors. This, in turn, could elevate the emotional intelligence level of psychiatric nurses.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study did not recruit participants, so details of participants were not be involved.

The Impact of Mental Well-Being, Stress, and Coping Strategies on Resilience among Staff Nurses during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Structural Equational Model

Previous studies have revealed various factors related to nurses' resilience and predictors of resilience. However, there are no studies analysing the association of three variables-mental well-being, coping strategies, and stress-with resilience. This study aims to assess the impact of mental well-being, levels of stress, and coping strategies on resilience using path analysis. This study used a cross-sectional approach that involved 763 nurses from 16 major hospitals in the eastern and northern regions of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data gathering was conducted from August to November 2022. The staff nurses possessed positive mental wellness (3.75 ± 1.08), moderate stress levels (3.06 ± 1.21), adequate coping skills (3.33 ± 1.23), and a low level of resilience (2.90 ± 1.040). Age had a small effect on resilience (β = 0.040; p < 0.001) but work experience (β = -0.019; p > 0.139) and marital status (β = 0.019; p > 0.072) were not significant. Conversely, mental well-being (β = 0.043; p < 0.001) and stress (β = -0.089; p < 0.001) had a small effect on resilience, but coping strategies (β = 0.561; p < 0.001) had a large effect on resilience. Therefore, coping strategies must be reinforced at all times to assist nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying contributing elements that maintain these workers' resilience in the face of unforeseen and protracted pandemics and other life events.