Introduction: Nurses, as frontline caregivers, have faced increasing psychological and physical pressures while caring for COVID-19 patients, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and intent to leave their jobs. Perceived organizational support (POS) and nurses' willingness to care for COVID-19 patients can play a key role in alleviating these pressures. Therefore, identifying factors that predict these two variables is of great importance.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the level of perceived organizational support and nurses' willingness to care for COVID-19 patients and to analyze the role of certain demographic factors influencing these variables during the fifth wave of the pandemic.
Method: This descriptive-analytical, correlational study was conducted in 2021. The study population included all nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in public hospitals in Amol, Iran. A total of 215 nurses were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a three-part form, including a demographic characteristics checklist, Eisenberger's Perceived Organizational Support Questionnaire, and a nurses' willingness-to-care questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression in SPSS version 26.
Results: Despite moderate levels of perceived organizational support, COVID-19 vaccination history and greater clinical experience were predictors of perceived organizational support, while marital status was the only predictor of willingness to care for COVID-19 patients in this study. These findings highlight the importance of considering demographic factors and individual experiences of nurses when designing supportive policies. Policymakers and healthcare managers can use these insights to develop effective strategies for managing future crises and improving organizational performance among nurses.
Conclusion: Despite moderate levels of perceived organizational support, this variable was not significantly related to willingness to care. COVID-19 vaccination history and greater clinical experience were predictors of perceived organizational support, while marital status was the only predictor of willingness to care for COVID-19 patients in this study.