Resilience and job satisfaction among out-of-hospital emergency medical service professionals: A cross-sectional multi-centric study

Abstract

Aim We aim to describe the relationship between job satisfaction and compare levels of resilience among out-of-hospital emergency medical service professionals.

Background The study of the impact of the working environment on health professionals has raised great interest. Job-related variables and resilience can be a protective factor against stressful and demanding events at work.

Methods A cross-sectional survey comprising sociodemographic and job-related variables was conducted among 406 workers (doctors, nurses, psychologists, and ambulance technicians) from the out-of-hospital emergency medical system in Spain. Resilience was self-reported using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.

Results Nursing professionals were less resilient compared with ambulance technicians (score difference 1.709, p = .008). As age increased, resilience was lower (r = −.118). Professionals with higher resilience scores were more satisfied in their work (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11), and professionals with higher psychological strength, gained from working with other colleagues, also showed greater job satisfaction (OR = 5.47, 95% CI: 2.55–11.73).

Conclusion There was a positive association between resilience, job satisfaction and collaborative work. Professionals with greater psychological strength, gained from working with other colleagues, also showed higher levels of job satisfaction.

Implications for Nursing Management Managers can use these results to influence the work environment to enhance job satisfaction and hence improve the resilience of the out-of-hospital emergency health care professionals