The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction, and Optimism Among Nursing Staff: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background: Job and life satisfaction, alongside optimism, are critical determinants of psychological resilience in frontline healthcare staff. This study aims to examine the key predictors of job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and optimism among nursing and midwifery professionals in Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 475 nurses and midwives employed in various healthcare settings in Poland. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire including demographic and occupational items and three validated scales: Satisfaction With Job Scale (SJS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT-R). Results: The findings revealed significant variations in job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and optimism among nurses and midwives. The mean job satisfaction score (SJS) was 20.71 (SD = 6.9), indicating a moderate level of satisfaction. Life satisfaction (SWLS) had a mean score of 21.33 (SD = 6.61), while optimism (LOT-R) was 14.85 (SD = 3.97), suggesting variability in positive expectations for the future among the participants. Job satisfaction was negatively associated with shift-based work (β = −1.71, p = 0.013), salary dissatisfaction (β = −3.828, p < 0.001), and higher stress levels (β = −0.127, p < 0.001). Life satisfaction was positively associated with being in a relationship (β = 3.58, p < 0.001) and a higher patient load (β = 1.969, p = 0.049). Optimism was positively predicted by higher education (β = 3.797, p = 0.015) and working in long-term care (β = 2.167, p = 0.004) but decreased with increasing stress (β = −0.063, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and optimism among nursing staff are significantly influenced by salary, stress levels, work environment, and education. Interventions aimed at improving working conditions, reducing stress, and promoting psychological resilience may enhance staff well-being and, consequently, patient care quality.