Cross-Cultural Management Journal (Dec 2022)
THE EFFECT OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS ON THE SATISFACTION AND PERFORMANCE OF NURSES
Abstract
The study reviews the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on the satisfaction and performance of nurses during the crisis as examined in studies carried out in ten countries (Italy, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, Romania, and Switzerland). The purpose of the study is to identify the scope and frequency of the phenomena reported by the nursing workforce from a broad global perspective and to provide information and recommendations to improve preparation for the future. The review shows that the COVID-19 crisis has affected the mental health of the nurses (Spain, Switzerland), anxiety, depression, and burnout (Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Germany), deterioration of working conditions mainly due to lack of staff, high employee turnover, and the lack of personal protective equipment (UK), and symptoms of stress and fear of contracting the disease (Romania, Germany, Canada). Also, the experience of coping during the pandemic period is seen as a deep mental trauma (Italy) and is characterized by the lack of mental support for the medical staff (Israel). The phenomena reported by the nursing staff in the countries examined caused less ability to function, lack of confidence, (to plan, concentrate, and organize), and a general decrease in motivation (Australia). Post-traumatic stress disorders were reported in all the countries examined.
