Stress among nurses working in an acute hospital in Ireland

Background and Introduction Stress among nurses leads to absenteeism, reduced efficiency, long-term health problems and a decrease in the quality of patient care delivered (Alves 2005). There is now a greater need for... [ view full abstract ]

Background and Introduction
Stress among nurses leads to absenteeism, reduced efficiency, long-term health problems and a decrease in the quality of patient care delivered (Alves 2005). There is now a greater need for workforce flexibility and sharing of services. Working in this type of environment is potentially very stressful (McCarthy, 2010). The author is a clinical nurse manager in the Operating Department. The interest in carrying out a study on stress has been generated by personal experience of working in potentially stressful situations. The author’s interest was further increased by exploring the work environment and witnessing increasing work demands. Staff at times have shortened or no breaks and very often don’t finish their shift on time due to lists over run. She has also observed colleagues stressed behaviour in practice noting a high rate of absenteeism due to illness. Informal discussion with colleagues suggest stress is prevalent. This led her to examine the literature surrounding stress and the nursing profession.
Aim of the study
The study’s aim was to identify perceived stressors and influencing factors among nurses working in the critical and non-critical care practice areas.
Design and Data collection
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sample of 200 nurses were invited to complete the Bianchi Stress Questionnaire. Information was collected on demographics and daily nursing practice.
Results
Findings indicated that perceived stressors were similar in both groups. The most severe stressors included redeployment to work in other areas and staffing levels. Results from this study suggest that age, job title, professional experience and formal post-registration qualifications had no influence on stress perception. These results will increase awareness of nurses’ occupational stress in Ireland.
Conclusion
This study informs the relevant stakeholders to include individuals, nursing and hospital management on stress and stressors that exist in the clinical environment.