The Impact of Stress on Nurses

It is generally acknowledged that nursing is among the most stressful professions that one can choose, and experts have long considered workplace stress an occupational hazard. In 1960, researcher Menzies identified four causes of stress among nurses, including “patient care, decision making, taking responsibility, and change.” Yet, despite increased awareness of the problem, nurses to this day continue to experience ever increasing levels of stress. Some reports out of America record that nurses are experiencing workplace stress at higher rates than most other professions. These stressors include physical demands, management issues, lack of resources, and difficulty balancing home and work responsibilities. Adding to these challenges, nurses have had to deal with increasing demand for complex healthcare technologies, budget restrictions and regular regulatory changes within the healthcare industry. nursing and workplace stresses

Nursing Demands Trigger Stress

As a vocation, nursing presents numerous physical stressors, including frequent lifting and bending, variable shifts or rosters, and long work hours. Nurses who often work night-shift may also suffer from disruption to their natural circadian rhythms, which in turn, may affect their overall health. In addition, and on a daily basis, nurses face the real hazards of infectious and toxic material, and with the current median age of a nurse being 45, many are simply not as physically resilient as they were in their younger years. Nurses, as to their very nature are compassionate and empathetic people. They often face difficult or tragic circumstances, that include permanent injury or death to young and old alike. These situations present emotional challenges for nurses. While societal changes, such as increased risk of violent to their person or aggressive attacks from patients who are affected by drugs also contribute to these ever-increasing stresses.

SOLUTIONS TO WORKPLACE STRESS

Nursing will always be a stressful profession. However, the level of stress can be managed better than it currently is. It is essential that nurses stay abreast of movements within the profession that lead to empowerment. This will ensure that nurses are better prepared to cope with stressful situations as they develop. Employers who introduce measures which reduce stress among nurse’s will benefit with improved staff retention and improved patient outcomes. Even the use of coloured Scrubs or Seasonal patterns can help improve someone’s mood. References

• Holistic Stress Management for Nurses. (2015, May 27). Retrieved from American Holistic Nurses Association
• Jennings, B. (2008). Work Stress and Burnout Among Nurses: Role of the Work Environment and Working Conditions. In R., Hughs, Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses (p. Chapter 26). Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).
• Managing Stress. (2015, May 27). Retrieved from American Holistic Nurses Association