LAUSR

AIM To examine personal and organizational factors related to professional functioning of nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND Exposure to COVID-19-related stressors has been associated with lower self-reported professional functioning among healthcare workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study among 115 hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel was designed to explore (a) personal professional functioning, (b) clarity of guidelines, (c) work organization by the management, (d) healthcare workers' feeling of contribution to a global effort. RESULTS A feeling of contribution to a global effort while treating patients with COVID-19 mediated the relationships between work organization by the management and professional functioning (β=.05, p<.05). The clarity of guidelines for routine procedures (β=.21, p<.05), and a feeling of contribution to a global effort (β=.34, p<.01) positively predicted professional functioning of nurses and physicians during COVID-19 pandemic (R2 = .19, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS In order to achieve optimal functioning of healthcare workers in an emergency, managers should provide clear guidelines and promote workers' feelings of contribution to a global effort. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The provision of clear guidelines and protocols is essential for efficient emergency management. Expressing appreciation for healthcare workers and providing positive feedback may improve professional functioning.