Job stressors and job satisfaction in emergency medical services crew members in Slovakia

Abstract

The study aims to map job stressors and job satisfaction in emergency medical services (EMS) crew members and to examine relationships between job stressors and job satisfaction. A research sample of 131 EMS crew members (physicians, paramedics, ambulance drivers, and one nurse) working in Slovakia completed selfreport questionnaires. The descriptive statistics revealed that the majority of participants were overall satisfied with working in EMS and for them the most bothersome stressors were working with a substandard co-employee on emergency incidents or situations, disruption of sleep, conflicts with co-workers and team members, financial strain due to inadequate pay, and feelings of isolation from family due to work demands and stress. According to the correlation analysis, the overall score of job stress was significantly negatively related to job satisfaction. Regarding individual stressors, poor diet, financial strain due to inadequate pay, dislike of routine paper work, disruption of sleep, and feelings of isolation from family due to work demands and stress were significantly negatively related to job satisfaction. These findings point out problematic elements of EMS work. They can serve as a stimulus for detailed follow-up research and what the Slovak EMS agencies should focus on in addressing the issues of job stress and job satisfaction among their employees providing prehospital emergency care.