Predictors of Job Satisfaction Among Rural Emergency Medical Technicians

Abstract

This study investigated the capacity of selected personal and work environment characteristics, in combination with occupational stress, to predict job satisfaction for 495 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who provided emergency medical services in a rural area in the United States. Using data obtained during a three-year survey, multiple regression analysis identified work group cohesiveness and effective supervisory behavior as the best predictors of job satisfaction. The perceived level of occupational stress and years of experience as an EMT were inversely related to job satisfaction, but EMTs who responded to the survey as they were preparing to enroll in advanced training programs were more satisfied with their jobs than were other subgroups. These results suggest that job satisfaction can be enhanced by reinforcing cooperation and cohesiveness within EMS work groups, by establishing and maintaining effective communication networks between EMS administrators and EMTs, and by providing opportunities for professional growth and development for EMTs.

Determinants of Stress, Depression, Quality of Life, and Intent to Leave in Washington State Emergency Medical Technicians During COVID-19

“… 14 Chronic exposure to psychosocial stressors, such as lack of social support and high job demands, has previously been linked to job dissatisfaction, 15 and job dissatisfaction has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes 15 ; however, limited research has investigated the direct relationship between psychosocial stressors and adverse mental health outcomes. Furthermore, research on attrition among EMTs has focused on attrition due to burnout or job dissatisfaction 16 , 17 and has not focused on attrition due to other workplace factors.…”

Sources of Disagreement Among Public and Private Agency Paramedics

“…5 Work group cohesiveness has been noted in one study of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to predict job satisfaction. 6 Negative relationships with coworkers also have been shown to correlate with paramedic burnout. 7 Documentation of the occurrence and causes of paramedic disagreements is an important step in the resolution of these conflicts.…”