Examining the Influence of Work Demands on Saudi Arabian Nurses: Impacts on Job Satisfaction, Burnout, and Quality of Care

This mixed methods study of 30 interviewed and 164 surveyed Saudi nurses aimed to elucidate work pressures experienced and examine relationships with job satisfaction, burnout, and perceived care quality. Key stressors were heavy workload, insufficient staffing/resources, and unsupportive leadership. Greater work demands significantly associated with lower job satisfaction and higher emotional exhaustion, which mediated an effect on perceived care quality. Interviews highlighted extreme work overload and systemic pressures impairing performance. Saudi nurses endure excessive demands negatively impacting their wellbeing and care delivery. Implementing nurse-supportive environments is imperative to uphold workforce stability and health system performance. This study lays groundwork for initiatives supporting nurses confronting immense pressures in Saudi hospitals.