Emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction and patient safety competency among nurses in Northern Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional correlational study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction and patient safety competency among nurses. While the three variables are linked, their connection in the healthcare setting in Northern Saudi Arabia has received limited attention. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, correlational research design involving registered nurses from three government hospitals in Northern Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using standardized questionnaires including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Emotional Exhaustion subscale), Kuopio University Hospital Job Satisfaction Scale and Patient Safety Competency Nurse Evaluation Scale. FINDINGS: Among 166 nurses, emotional exhaustion was moderate, job satisfaction was moderate and perceived patient safety competency was high. Emotional exhaustion was negatively associated with perceived patient safety competency (r = -0.48, p < 0.001), whereas job satisfaction was positively associated with it (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, emotional exhaustion (ß = -0.39, p < 0.001) and job satisfaction (ß = 0.34, p < 0.001) were independently associated with perceived patient safety competency. Years of professional experience showed a positive association (ß = 0.18, p = 0.006), whereas weekly working hours showed a negative association (ß = -0.14, p = 0.009). The model explained 46% of the variance in perceived patient safety competency (adjusted R2 = 0.43). ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The findings indicate that nurses' emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction are associated with their patient safety competency in the participating governmental hospitals in Northern Saudi Arabia. This suggests that nurses' psychological well-being and experiences within the workplace are relevant to their ability to maintain safe patient care practices.