Organizational and Musculoskeletal Factors of Job Satisfaction and Work Ability Among Critical Care Nurses: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Beatrice Albanesi, Daniela Chiarini, Marco Clari, Maria Vittoria Picciaiola, Alessandro Godono and Giacomo Garzaro

Nursing Research and Practice, 2026, vol. 2026, 1-9

Abstract: BackgroundNursing shortage is a global challenge driven by the imbalance between the number of nurses entering and leaving the profession, with job satisfaction (JS) and work ability (WA) as key retention factors influenced by organizational and health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Although critical care nurses experience high MSDs, low JS, and reduced WA, their interrelationships remain underexplored.AimsThis multicenter cross-sectional study investigated individual, organizational, and musculoskeletal factors associated with JS and WA among intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED) nurses.MethodsData were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing individual, organizational, and MSD-related variables, together with validated instruments assessing upper-limb disability and symptoms (DASH), Work Ability Index (WAI), and JS (COPSOQ II). Multivariable regression was performed.ResultsParticipants reported moderate JS (3.4 ± 0.9) and good WA (41.3 ± 5.4). Lower JS was associated with ICU employment (β = −0.38, p=0.005) and long shifts (β = −0.32, p=0.003). Reduced WA was associated with chronic conditions (β = −3.14, p=0.001), work adjustments (β = −2.58, p=0.001), ICU employment (β = −1.38, p=0.031), unit or role changes due to MSDs (β = −1.60, p=0.015), and hip (β = −1.69, p=0.009) or upper-limb MSDs (β = −1.41, p=0.006). JS and WA were also significantly associated (β = 0.08 for WAI in the JS model; β = 2.22 for JS in the WAI model).ConclusionsA multidisciplinary, multilevel, and multicomponent approach may support JS and WA and inform strategies to reduce MSD-related burden and promote nurse retention.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hin:jnlnrp:4882421

DOI: 10.1155/nrp/4882421

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