Occupational stress, job satisfaction, and intention to leave among critical care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon.

Background: In the context of an ongoing nursing shortage and severe economic crisis in Lebanon, the COVID-19 pandemic placed significant strain on the Lebanese healthcare system, particularly affecting frontline nurses' psychological well-being and work conditions. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational stress, job satisfaction, and intention to leave among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was conducted among a convenience sample of 112 critical care nurses working in a university hospital in Lebanon. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included the MERS-CoV Staff Survey and the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS). Results: Findings revealed high levels of occupational stress and moderate levels of job satisfaction among participants. More than half of the nurses reported an intention to leave their current position. A significant negative relationship was found between stress related to infection stigma and job satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health and organizational support interventions to improve nurse retention and well-being, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings. Future research should consider broader socio-political factors influencing nurses' work environments in Lebanon.