The moderating effect of spiritual beliefs on job dissatisfaction related to the futile care

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the experience of providing futile care among intensive care unit nurses and to examine the moderating effect of spiritual beliefs on job dissatisfaction related to the sense of futile care among nurses in Intensive Care Units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study had two phases. The first phase was a qualitative study. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted. In the second phase, we employed a cross-sectional design. The data from 236 nurses were collected using nurses’ perceptions of futile care questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale. RESULTS: The main theme of the qualitative phase was a feeling of self as a useful tool in God’s hand. Sub-themes were providing care while knowing it is futile, not knowing the patient destiny, having hope for care to be fruitful, experiences patient recovery, acting to be a part of God’s plan. Futile care and job experience were two predictors of low job satisfaction. Spiritual well-being had a moderating effect and increased job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Futile care can decrease job satisfaction, while spiritual well-being can reduce its negative effect. Supporting spiritual aspects of nursing care can decrease turn-over intention among nurses.