Investigating the Relationship Between Personality Traits and Job Satisfaction in Iranian Nurses During the COVID-19

Background: Many factors can affect the job satisfaction of nurses. One of these factors is personality traits. Since the disasters such as COVID-19 can also affects the job satisfaction, this study aims to investigate the relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction of Iranian nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This descriptive/correlational study was conducted in 2021-2022 on 131 nurses working in military hospitals in Tehran, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic form, the Neo personality inventory, and the Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 16. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between job satisfaction and personality traits of neuroticism (P=0.02), agreeableness (P=0.009), and conscientiousness (P=0.005). The highest correlation was related to conscientiousness (r=0.24), and agreeableness (r=0.23). Extraversion (P=0.07) and opennes to experience (P=0.018) had no significant relationship with job satisfaction. Conclusion: Job satisfaction of nurses in the study hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic was at a moderate level. It is necessary for hospitals managers to pay attention to three personality traits of neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness in nurses to improve their job satisfaction, which can have a direct impact on the quality of nursing care.