Abstract: Objective: To analyze the relationship of job stress and job satisfaction in ICU nurses, and to examine the moderating effect of perceived organizational support in their relationship. Methods: A convenience sample of 263 ICU nurses were selected from four level-3 hospitals in Hangzhou. The general information questionnaire, Job Satisfaction Assessment Scale (JSAS), Job Stressor Scales (JSS) and Perceived Organizational Support Scale (POSS) were used to collect data. Results: The mean score of job satisfaction was 2.95±0.79, job satisfaction was negatively correlated with job stress (r=?-0.486, P<0.01) and positively correlated with organizational support (r=0.358, P<0.01). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that organizational support could moderate the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction (β=0.149, ΔR2=0.042, P<0.01). Conclusion: ICU nurses experience a lower level of job satisfaction. The organizational support could moderate the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction. Developing a climate to reduce job stress and improve organizational support may be benefit to increase ICU nurses' job satisfaction.

Key words: job satisfaction; job stress; organizational support; ICU nurses; moderating effect