Occupational Stress Experienced by Nurses Working in a Greek Regional Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

The relationship between job stress and the perception of patient safety culture among Palestinian hospital nurses

BACKGROUND

Patient safety is a global concern, with high rates of medical errors reported annually. Understanding the relationship between nurses' job stress and patient safety culture (PSC) is crucial. Despite their pivotal role in healthcare, nurses face stress due to demanding job roles and the challenging healthcare system in Palestine. This study aims to explore the relationship between nurses' job stress and PSC in Palestinian hospitals, identifying predictors that impact PSC to enhance healthcare outcomes and support healthcare professionals.

METHODS

This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional approach. Data collection took place from June to September 2023. The study utilized self-report surveys, including the Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS), administered to 355 nurses working in 16 North West Bank hospitals in Palestine. The data collected were analyzed via descriptive and inferential analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 47% of the nurses reported having positive PSC. The areas with the most positive perception were "teamwork" and "organizational learning-continuous improvement", with mean percentages of positive responses of 63.1% and 55.8%, respectively. Conversely, the composites with the lowest positive response scores included "Response to Error" and "Staffing and Work Pace", with mean percentages of positive responses of 30.9% and 34.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the most common sources of job stress perceived by nurses were "workload" and "death and dying", with mean scores of 1.42 and 1.20, respectively. However, the lowest-scoring sources of stress were in the subscales "Uncertainty concerning treatment" and "Inadequate preparation", with mean scores of 1.02 and 1.06, respectively. Statistical tests revealed that six factors were significantly associated with the perception of PSC. Among these factors, income, hospital type, activities to improve PSC, patient safety ratings of work areas, and weekly night shifts emerged as predictors of PSC. Additional tests revealed nine factors significantly associated with job stress. Among these factors, gender, educational level, engagement in stress relief activities, participation in PSC improvement activities, and patient safety ratings emerged as predictors of job stress. Moreover, the study revealed negative correlations between job stress and PSC.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the need for tailored policies and interventions that address nurses' specific stressors to enhance PSC within hospital settings. Moreover, the study shed light on the unique challenges faced by nurses in Palestine, such as limited resources, unemployment concerns, staffing, and transportation issues, which further exacerbated job stress levels and potentially compromised patient safety. Understanding these contextual factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems that prioritize the holistic well-being of nurses and the quality of patient care delivery.

Nurturing Resilience and Healing from Within: The Impact of an 8-Week Yoga Program on Nursing Students

Background/Objectives: Nursing students encounter significant stress due to the demanding nature of their academic and clinical training, negatively impacting their mental health and overall wellbeing. Self-care strategies, such as yoga, have been suggested to effectively manage stress and promote resilience. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of self-care in nursing education, there is limited research on the specific benefits of yoga. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceived benefits associated with undergraduate nursing students' participation in an 8-week yoga study. Methods: A qualitative study using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted. Participants were Baccalaureate nursing students from an Australian university. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Reporting methods followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results: Among the 14 students who participated, three main themes emerged: "Me Time", highlighting the importance of prioritising self-care; "Slowing Down," emphasising the psychological benefits of yoga; and "Self-Acceptance," reflecting personal growth and improved self-awareness. Participants reported reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced physical and mental wellbeing. Conclusion: Students who participated in yoga were positively impacted through greater stress management and wellbeing. As nursing students transition into the workplace, the ability to manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing becomes even more critical. The high-pressure environment of healthcare settings can exacerbate stress, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. By incorporating self-care practices such as yoga into their routine, nursing students can develop resilience and coping mechanisms that will benefit them as students and throughout their careers.

Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Level Stress and Coping Strategies of Nurses and Midwives Caring for Newborns with Lethal Defects

Introduction: Nurses and midwives caring for newborns with lethal defects experience significant emotional stress. Understanding coping strategies and the factors influencing stress is crucial for improving their well-being and ensuring high-quality care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the coping strategies used by nurses and midwives in stressful situations and to analyse the relationship between stress levels and selected sociodemographic and professional factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the second quarter of 2023 among 307 nurses and midwives working in neonatal and obstetric wards in the Silesian metropolitan area, Poland. A diagnostic survey method was applied using a standardised questionnaire. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the MINI-COPE Inventory were used to assess stress levels and coping mechanisms. A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure representation from various professional backgrounds. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman's correlation, and Cohen's d coefficient, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: High stress levels were associated with shorter professional experience, frequent exposure to lethal defects, and emotional discomfort in interactions with grieving families. The most commonly used coping strategies were active coping (M = 2.06, SD = 0.635) and planning (M = 1.95, SD = 0.590), whereas self-blame (M = 1.20, SD = 0.714, p < 0.001) and denial (M = 0.88, SD = 0.751, p < 0.001) were linked to higher stress levels. Positive reinterpretation (r = -0.211, p < 0.001) and seeking emotional support (r = -0.129, p = 0.024) correlated with lower stress levels. Nurses and midwives with secondary education reported higher stress levels compared to those with higher education (χ2(10) = 30.651, p = 0.001). Work experience played a role, with moderate stress levels most frequently observed among those with 2-5 years of professional experience (χ2(14) = 24.023, p = 0.046). Emotional involvement, particularly supporting parents during their farewell to the child (69.1%), was identified as the most stressful aspect of their work. Conclusions: Promoting adaptive coping strategies, such as positive reinterpretation and emotional support, can help reduce stress and improve the well-being of nurses and midwives. Implementing psychological support programmes and stress management training is essential for maintaining high-quality neonatal care.

Survey on the relationship between stress and cardiovascular health among office employees at a university hospital in Iran

Objectives. Job stress (JS) can endanger health. This study therefore determined the association between risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and JS in hospital office employees. Methods. The cross-sectional study examined JS of 350 hospital administrative staff using the Osipow questionnaire. After 10 h of fasting, the participants' systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels were recorded. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results. In total, 85.14% participants have more than medium stress. Significant differences were observed between the blood triglyceride levels (p < 0.05) and levels of stress. The blood cholesterol and glucose level in the medium or lower stress group were significantly lower than in the more than medium stress group (p < 0.001). Conclusions. According to the results, psychological counseling programs are recommended for reducing the risk of (CVD) factors in stressful work environments.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Psychological Distress in Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies

Work-related stress, a major contributor to physical and mental health issues of nurses, has a direct impact on patient safety and nurses' well-being. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing psychological distress in nurses. Systematic search of six databases including CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science from their inception to February 27, 2024. The primary outcomes assessed were reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression following the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy. A random effects model, accounting for study differences, was applied in the meta-analyses. Egger's regression test was utilized to assess potential publication bias in the pooled analyses. The meta-analysis included 10 studies that demonstrated the intervention's beneficial effects in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses. Despite the positive effects observed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in alleviating psychological distress among nurses, the generalizability of these findings may require further confirmation due to the diversity of cognitive behavioral therapies.

Measurement and Evaluation of Health, Functional Capacity, Physical Fitness, and Daily Habits of Greek Female Healthcare Professionals Working in a Hospital Environment

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The wellness profile of healthcare professionals is of crucial importance since it can affect the quality of healthcare services. This study created a comprehensive profile of health, functional capacity, physical fitness, and lifestyle behaviours in hospital healthcare professionals.

METHODS

A hundred female (age: 45.53 ± 2 yrs) professionals underwent assessments of their health (respiratory function/blood pressure/body circumference/body fat/body mass index/musculoskeletal pains), functional capacity (flexibility/balance), physical fitness (strength/aerobic capacity), and daily habits (smoking/alcohol/caffeinated beverages/screen time/physical activity).

RESULTS

According to data analysis (descriptive statistics, paired t-tests to analyze possible differences between the right and left sides), (a) 39% of the participants were overweight and 28% obese, (b) 40-44% of the participants showed higher values than normal in waist circumference and systolic blood pressure, and (c) 96% of the participants showed musculoskeletal pains. Functional capacity and physical fitness demonstrated significant differences in balance and flexibility (p < 0.05) between sides (right/left) and low levels of strength and dynamic balance-agility. Moreover, 67% of the sample did not participate in physical activities, while a significant percentage showed increased screen time on weekdays (44%) and weekends (61%). Finally, 36% of the sample smoked, 62% consumed alcohol, and 92% consumed caffeinated beverages (the majority were within permissible limits).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the wellness profile of healthcare professionals to ensure optimal care for this population.

Nursing staff and supervisors perceptions on stress and resilience: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Supervisor-subordinate relationship is high relevant in dealing with work-related stress and providing a compassionate, high-quality, and safe nursing care while meeting the needs of the hospital. Our aim was to assess the predisposing risk and resilience factors of the stress of nursing staff as well as to explore the common and distinctive perceptions of these factors between nurses without a managerial position (nursing staff) and employees in a supervising position (nurse managers, ward nurses).

DESIGN

Generic qualitative study using half-standardized interviews.

METHODS

Fifty nurses and supervisors from different departments from a German hospital of maximum medical care participated in this study between August and November 2018. Nineteen face-to-face interviews and five focus groups were conducted. Transcripts were subjected to structured qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Systematised in Lazarus's transactional model, nurses, and supervisors mentioned similar risk and resilience factors of stress. Disagreement in suggested responsibility for nurses' stress or health and an evaluation of implemented measures meeting the nurses' needs are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Nursing staff and supervisors should enforce exchange to reduce disagreements in perceptions and to improve mutual understanding. Furthermore, measures to meet nurses' needs to minimize stress and to improve collaboration and job satisfaction should be developed in close coordination with the target group. The focus should be placed on restructuring training and education programs with supplementation of self-responsibility promotion.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

The study was registered with the German Register for Clinical Studies (DRKS 00013482) on 09 March 2018.

Workload increases nurses' quiet quitting, turnover intention, and job burnout: evidence from Greece

Introduction

High workloads among nurses affect critical workplace outcomes, such as turnover intention, job burnout, and job satisfaction. However, there are no studies that measure the relationships between workload and these variables in the post-COVID-19 era.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of workload on quiet quitting, turnover intention, and job burnout.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a sample of nurses in Greece. The NASA task load index was used to measure workloads among nurses. Also, we used valid scales to measure quiet quitting (quiet quitting scale), job burnout (single item burnout measure), and turnover intention (a six-point Likert scale).

Results

The mean workload score was 80.7, indicating high workloads in our sample. Moreover, most of the nurses belonged to the group of quiet quitters (74.3%). About half of the nurses reported a high level of turnover intention (50.2%). After controlling for confounders, data analysis showed that higher workloads were associated with higher levels of quiet quitting [beta = 0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.006 to 0.012, p-value < 0.001], turnover intention (odds ratio = 1.046, 95% CI = 1.035 to 1.056, p-value < 0.001), and job burnout (beta = 0.072, 95% CI = 0.065 to 0.079, p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found that workload was associated with quiet quitting, turnover intention, and job burnout in nurses. Thus, appropriate interventions should be applied to reduce nursing workloads to improve productivity and the healthcare provided to patients.

Transforming nursing work environments: the impact of organizational culture on work-related stress among nurses: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Creating a healthy and conducive nursing work environment is a universal global nursing concern. Work-Related Stress, global nursing and a public health problem that has continued to bedevil the world healthcare systems is of a particular interest. It has not only compromised the quality of patient care but also negatively impacted nurses' quality of work life and adversely affected global healthcare management. Organizational culture is an important determinant of nurses' work-related stress, yet it remains systematically under-researched. Despite a plethora of research on work-related stress in nursing environments, there are few dedicated systematic literature reviews, and this study aimed to fill this gap.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the scientific evidence in the literature, on the impact of organizational culture on work-related stress among nurses and provide valuable insights to mitigation of work-related stress among nurses.

DESIGN

A Systematic literature review.

METHODS

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Embase and CINAHL in July 2023. Studies that met the inclusion criteria set were screened using Rayyan and Covidence. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality and risk of bias.

RESULTS

The search generated a total of 2,113 records, and 13 were included. Thematic analysis generated three main themes: types of organizational culture, organizational climate, and organizational politics, each with distinct effects on nurses' work-related stress. We found overall that, positive organizational culture, positive organizational climate and positive organizational politics were consistently associated with nurse's happiness and joy at the workplace and lower levels of work-related stress while negative organizational culture, climate and politics were strongly associated with nurses' work-related stress.

CONCLUSIONS

This review underscores the crucial role of organizational culture in nursing work environments and its impact on nurses' stress levels, offering valuable insights for the mitigation of work-related stress and the transformation of the nursing profession.

Qualitative Research on Mindfulness Interventions for Staff Nurses: A Review of the Literature

Complexity, workforce shortages, and escalating stressors in the healthcare setting have led to increased turnover and burnout of nursing staff. Mindfulness has been demonstrated to offer a variety of benefits to nurses. This article summarizes the qualitative research on the experience of mindfulness training and practice with the goal of providing evidence-based recommendations for nurse leaders on how to design and implement effective and well-adopted mindfulness programs.

Comparing the effectiveness of mind-body practices (MBPs) and various psychological methods on occupational stress among healthcare workers: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of mind-body practices (MBPs) and multiple psychological methods, and identify the optimal method for relieving work-related stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) by network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

We applied six electronic databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify relevant RCTs from inception to September 16, 2023, and implemented a search strategy based on the PICOS principles. Data selection, extraction, and analysis of bias were carried out independently and in duplicate by separate researchers. State 16.0 was used to conduct NMA for comparing the effectiveness of various therapies.

RESULTS

We identified 23 studies including MBPs and three different psychological therapies, namely mindfulness-related therapy (MRT), psychoeducational therapy (PT), and comprehensive therapy (CT), which were divided into eleven specific techniques, namely yoga, meditation techniques (MT), Qigong, muscle relaxation(MR), biofeedback therapy (BT), mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR-M), mindfulness-based interventions combined with others (MBIs-C), mindfulness-based awareness(MBA), PT and CT. Our NMA results of MBPs and three psychological therapies showed MBPs (SMD = -0.90, CrI:-1.26, -0.05, SUCRA = 99%) were effective for occupational stress in HCWs, followed by MRT(SMD = -0.48, CrI:-0.87, -0.08, SUCRA = 66.5%). NMA results of eleven specific techniques showed yoga (SMD = 1.36, CrI:0.91, 1.81, SUCRA = 97.5%) was the most effective technique in relieving the stress of HCWs, followed by MR (SMD = 1.36, CrI:0.91, 1.81, SUCRA = 87.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested MBPs may be the most effective intervention to improve the occupational stress of HCWs. Furthermore, yoga is likely to be the most optimal of MBPs. Hospital managers should attach importance to yoga in addressing occupational stress among medical workers.

Centralized Pump Monitoring System: Perception on Utility and Workflows by Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital

Nurses play a key role in providing in-hospital care to patients. Worldwide, there has been a shortage of nursing staff, putting enormous strain on the existing nursing workforce physically and mentally. A vicious cycle of demanding workplaces exacerbated by perennial shortages leads to attrition and high staff turnover. A centralized, automated infusion pump monitoring system optimizes and augments nurses' performance in the hospital by cutting down on nurse visits to the patient's bedside for every matter, whether significant or insignificant. This viewpoint intends to highlight that by filtering out the noise effectively, nurses can focus on improving patient outcome-led interventions and enhancing the quality of care.

Effect of stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in emergency medical technicians

OBJECTIVE

According to studies, occupational stress is quite prevalent among Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). On the other hand, it has been shown that Stachys lavandulifolia, also known as the Mountain Tea in Iran, has anxiolytic properties. Considering the current increasing trend of using remedies based on alternative medicine for stress management, the present clinical trial intended to investigate the effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in EMTs METHODS: The present study included 60 EMTs working in Arak, Markazi province, Iran, who were randomly divided into study and control groups. The study group was treated with tea made of Stachys lavandulifolia (2 g daily) for 2 months, while the control group was treated with black tea. Moreover, the level of occupational stress in the study participants was assessed using the Hospital Stress Scale (HSS-35) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS

According to our results, the mean occupational stress score was significantly decreased in the study group after the intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, the post-intervention scores were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in occupational stress in the control group after the intervention (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In combination with other stress-relieving options, the tea made of Stachys lavandulifolia can be used as a complementary therapy for alleviating occupational stress in EMTs.

The relationship between job stress and patient safety culture among nurses: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Work stress is one of the leading causes of physical and mental problems among nurses and can affect patient safety. Nurses experiencing stress are more prone to make errors, which has consequences for the safety culture. This study aimed to describe the findings of studies that examined the relationship between job stress and patient safety culture among nurses.

METHODS

A systematic review of published English-language articles from 2017 to 2021 was obtained through an electronic search of three large online databases (i.e., CINAHL through EBSCOhost, Medline through PubMed, and Embase). We used the Statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to guide the undertaking of this review. In addition, data extraction and quality assessment were performed for the final seven quantitative articles.

RESULTS

This review showed a significant relationship between job-related stress in its different factors, patient safety culture, and patient safety. Three studies of the seven reviewed articles examined the relationship. The rest of the studies examined the relationship indirectly, discussing factors that impacted job stress and how they affected patient safety culture. However, differences in working conditions and study characteristics affected the results of these studies and the significance of this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests that nursing managers and administrators should consider actions to minimize nursing job stress to the minimum levels and improve their work environment to provide the best possible patient care. Future studies are needed to develop interventions to reduce workplace stress and improve nurses' safety. Furthermore, nurses' managers and educators should train nurses on resilience and how to work in trauma-informed care.

Modeling cause-and-effect relationships among variables affecting work stress based on fuzzy DEMATEL method

Purpose

Several variables can affect work stress. This study aims to model the cause-and-effect relationships among different variables that can predict work stress based on one of the most important fuzzy multicriteria decision-making methods used to investigate the cause-and-effect relationships among variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in 2020, including 17 experts in safety management, occupational health and work psychology, based on the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method as a robust approach to identify the cause-and-effect relationships among different variables.

Findings

Shift work, lack of job satisfaction, mental health, mental overload, fatigue, job security, sleep disorders, environmental discomfort, work pressure, job knowledge (this could mean expertise/level of qualifications/familiarity with the job), work complexity and role conflict were found to be the most significant variables affecting work stress. Moreover, the cause-and-effect model of relationships among variables showed that shift work and lack of job satisfaction are root causes, and mental health, fatigue, mental workload, sleep disorder and environmental discomfort are direct causes.

Originality/value

Although the results of this study demonstrate that work stress can be influenced by 12 different variables, the modeling results show that some variables, such as shift work and lack of job satisfaction, can directly or indirectly impact other variables and thus result in work stress.

The Effect of Occupational Stress and Concerns about the COVID-19 Pandemic on Secondary Traumatic Stress Syndrome among Iranian Frontline Nurses: A Mediating Model

Objective: With the increasing effects of stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and occupational stress on the mental health of frontline nurses, it is imperative to further investigate how these stresses affect nurses' mental health and secondary traumatic stress syndrome. This research aimed to investigate the relationship of nurses' occupational stress and concerns about COVID-19 with secondary traumatic stress syndrome, and also to investigate the mediating effect that concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic have on the relationship between nurses' occupational stress and secondary traumatic stress syndrome. Method : A cross-sectional design was adopted. The population of the study was defined as all front-line nurses in Shiraz hospitals, from which 225 nurses of two corona care hospitals were selected using convenience sampling. The degree of secondary traumatic stress, concerns about the COVID-19, and nurses' occupational stress were assessed using Bride's Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), an adopted version of Level of Concerns about the COVID-19 questionnaire, and the Nurses' Occupational Stressor Scale (NOSS) among Hospital-based Healthcare Workers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among variables. Results: Results showed that nurses' occupational stresses presented a direct effect on nurses' level of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic (β = 0.85, P < 0.001), and concern about the COVID-19 pandemic was directly related to front-line nurse's secondary traumatic stress syndrome (β = 0.83, P < 0.001). In addition, nurses' level of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic fully mediated the effects of nurses' occupational stresses on their secondary traumatic stress (β = 0.70, P < 0.001). This indirect effect has explained 68% of the variance in nurses' secondary traumatic stress. Conclusion: These results emphasized the indirect effect of nurses' occupational stresses on secondary traumatic stress syndrome via mediating the level of concern about COVID-19. Therefore, to reduce the secondary traumatic stress of nurses who have dealt directly with COVID-19 patients, it seems necessary to pay serious attention to the sources of their occupational stress, which probably existed even before this pandemic and increased their concerns in pandemic conditions.

Multilevel approach to individual and organisational predictors of stress and fatigue among healthcare workers of a university hospital: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of experiencing stress and fatigue due to the demands of their work within hospitals. Improving their physical and mental health and, in turn, the quality and safety of care requires considering factors at both individual and organisational/ward levels. Using a multicentre prospective cohort, this study aims to identify the individual and organisational predictors of stress and fatigue of HCWs in several wards from university hospitals.

METHODS

Our cohort consists of 695 HCWs from 32 hospital wards drawn at random within four volunteer hospital centres in Paris-area. Three-level longitudinal analyses, accounting for repeated measures (level 1) across participants (level 2) nested within wards (level 3) and adjusted for relevant fixed and time-varying confounders, were performed.

RESULTS

At baseline, the sample was composed by 384 registered nurses, 300 auxiliary nurses and 11 midwives. According to the three-level longitudinal models, some predictors were found in common for both stress and fatigue (low social support from supervisors, work overcommitment, sickness presenteeism and number of beds per ward). However, specific predictors for high level of stress (negative life events, low social support from colleagues and breaks frequently cancelled due to work overload) and fatigue (longer commuting duration, frequent use of interim staff in the ward) were also found.

CONCLUSION

Our results may help identify at-risk HCWs and wards, where interventions to reduce stress and fatigue should be focused. These interventions could include manager training to favour better staff support and overall safety culture of HCWs.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Related Factors in Iranian Female Nurses

Background

Lower Urinary Tract Symptom (LUTS) are common among female nurses. High levels of job stress in nurses may be associated with the prevalence of these symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LUTS and factors related to these symptoms in female nurses.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study in which 460 nurses and nursing assistants participated was conducted. A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, and Toileting Behavior - Women's Elimination Behavior Scale was used. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significant level of p < 0.05.

Results

The highest and lowest scores of LUTS were related to the urgency and nocturnal enuresis with a mean (SD) score of 1.85 (1.03) and 0.05 (0.26), respectively. Concerning toileting behaviors, the highest score was for the place preference for voiding with a mean (SD) score of 4.13 (0.66), which correlated with LUTS. Among controllable variables, years of practice, urinary tract infections, use of perineal pads for urinary leakage, lifting heavy objects at work, and medical history were identified as predictors of LUTS (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

LUTS was highly prevalent in the female nurses. The results revealed that unhealthy toileting behaviors may contribute to the prevalence of LUTS. Early identification of these symptoms and the development of an educational intervention program to enhance the knowledge of healthy toileting behaviors may prevent the occurrence of urinary symptoms.

Determinants of Work-Related Stress Among Nurses Working in Private and Public Hospitals in Dessie City, 2021: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Globally, work-related stress had a significant impact on health-care providers. Private and public health-care institutions are considered intensive work areas for work-related stress. In Ethiopia, most studies were focused on only public hospitals. However, this study aimed to include private and public hospitals.

Methods

A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 304 nurses working in public and private hospitals from 8 April to 7 May 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select nurses, and the data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.1 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were applied. The final multivariate regression declared significant determinants at a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) to reveal the strength of associated variables.

Results

In this study, the overall magnitude of work-related stress among nurses was 48.4% (95% CI: 42.4–54.6) (51.6% among public hospitals and 46.4% for private hospitals). Bachelor nurses (AOR=0.32,95% CI:0.13,0.76), working in operation room (AOR=7.89, 95% CI:1.46,9.60) and job dissatisfaction (AOR=4.95, 95% CI: 1.94,2.61) were determinants of work-stress in private hospitals whereas being female (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.43, 6.92), working experience 5 to 10 years (AOR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.97), having degree and above (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.99) and working in intensive care unit (AOR = 6.48, 95% CI:1.49, 8.18) were determinants of work-related stress in public hospitals.

Conclusion

The overall magnitude of work-related stress among nurses in Dessie city was almost half. In contrast, more work-related stress among nurses working in public hospitals than in private hospitals. Sex, operating (working) unit, working experience, and type of institution were work-related stress determinants in public and private hospitals. Hence, reducing workload and providing stress management training is crucial to reducing work-related stress among nurses.

Nurses' job stress and its impact on quality of life and caring behaviors: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nursing is considered a hard job and their work stresses can have negative effects on health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between job stress with quality of life and care behaviors in nurses.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey design study was performed with the participation of 115 nurses working in two hospitals. The nurses were selected via the availability sampling method and data were collected by demographic characteristics, nurses 'job stress, quality of life (SF12), and Caring Dimension Inventory questionnaires.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) total scores of job stress, quality of life and caring behavior were 2.77 (0.54), 56.64 (18.05) and 38.23 (9.39), respectively. There was a statistically significant and negative relationship between total job stress scores with quality of life (r = -0.44, P < 0.001, Medium effect) and caring behaviors (r=-0.26, P < 0.001, Small effect). Univariate linear regression showed that job stress alone could predict 27.9% of the changes in the total quality of life score (β =-0.534, SE = 0.051, R^2adj = 0.279, P < 0.001) and 4.9% of the changes in the total score of caring behaviors (β =-0.098, SE = 0.037, R^2adj = 0.049 P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Job stress has a negative effect on the quality of life related to nurses' health. It can also overshadow the performance of care and reduce such behaviors in nurses, which may be one of the factors affecting the outcome of patients.

The Relationship Between Professional Autonomy and Job Stress Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Descriptive Correlational Study

BACKGROUND

Autonomy is an essential factor in the nursing profession. Nurses' autonomy can improve care quality, decrease mortality in patients, and attenuate job stress. This study aimed to investigate professional autonomy and its relationship with job stress among nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive correlational study was conducted at Urmia nursing school in Iran in 2020. Three hundred ninety-eight nurses working at the ICUs entered the study. Data was collected using the Dempster Practice Behavior Scale (DPBS) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) questionnaire. Independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the relationship between demographics and study variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between professional autonomy and job stress of nurses.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) of total professional autonomy and job stress score of nurses was, respectively, 102. 11(91. 88), and 115. 53(12. 42), indicating moderate autonomy and job stress. Professional autonomy had a significant positive correlation with job stress (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). It also had a significant positive correlation with work experience in ICU (r = 0.12, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

ICU nurses have moderate autonomy and job stress, and their autonomy is a significant positive predictor of their job stress. University authorities are recommended to develop practical strategies to enhance nurses' autonomy and eliminate factors that cause job stress in ICU nurses in order to preserve nurses' health, improve the quality of nursing care, and increase patient safety.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Nurses: An Integrative Review

Introduction: The impact of occupational stress on the mental health and well-being of nurses is a growing concern, magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such compromised health is considered an occupational and patient safety risk. Our aim is to critically examine, analyze, and synthesize the evidence regarding MBSR on the perceived stress levels of nurses including overall mental health and well-being. Methods: An integrative review was conducted. Databases included were PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were English only, MBSR, and practicing nurses. Results: We identified 833 articles during database searching. After removal of duplicates and two rounds of screening, 15 articles were included in the final analysis. Several themes were derived with 60% of the studies showing a significant effect of MBSR on decreasing stress. Other significant themes were the decrease in burnout and increase in mindfulness. Conclusions: MBSR may be an effective holistic method of improving mental health for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In both the abbreviated and full, 8-week versions of MBSR, the findings indicate the intervention can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress. Future recommendations include larger sample sizes and measurements other than self-reports to promote generalizability.

The relationship between occupational stress, mental health and work ability of coal chemical workers in Xinjiang

OBJECTIVE

To understand the current working ability of coal chemical workers in Xinjiang, and analyze the impact of occupational stress, mental disorders, and their interaction on work ability. To provide a scientific basis for improving the working ability and quality of life of coal chemical workers.

METHODS

In this study, a stratified random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey of 1,400 workers in six coal mining enterprises from June to December 2019. The Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI), the Symptoms Checklist 90 (SCL-90), and the Work Ability Index Scale (WAI) were used to evaluate the level of occupational stress, mental disorders, and the ability to work as coal chemical workers.

RESULTS

The results showed that WAI scores had statistically significant differences between gender, age, length of service, shift, education, marital status, and monthly income (P < 0.05). The ability to work and its dimensions were inversely correlated with occupational stress, and mental disorders (P < 0.001). Occupational stress and mental disorders are risk factors affecting the ability to work. Workers with high occupational stress^* mental disorders (OR = 10.666, 95% CI: 6.443-17.658) are 10.666 times more likely to be at risk for developing poor work ability than low occupational stress^* no mental disorders. Structural equation models show that occupational stress and mental health conditions had a direct impact on work ability, and mental health conditions were the mediators of the relationship between occupational stress and work ability.

CONCLUSION

Occupational stress, mental disorders, and their interaction are risk factors affecting the ability of coal chemical workers to work. Occupational stress can indirectly affect the ability to work through mental health conditions.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, resilience and depression in health professionals: a cross-sectional study

AIM

To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, resilience and depression in health professionals from a public hospital in Barcelona, Spain after the first peak of pandemic.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic in Spain has pushed boundaries in health systems and, especially, for health professionals. Analysis of resilience as an individual resource and it is essential to understand the mechanisms that make staff react unfavourably to stressors caused by the pandemic.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed.

PARTICIPANTS

Health professionals supervised by the nursing department, including registered nurses, health care assistants, health technicians, final year nurse student nurses, foreign nurses, and other nurse-related health workers.

METHODS

The study complies with the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies. An online survey was administered to all health professionals supervised by the nursing department between 6 and 27 May 2020. The survey included the ER-14 Resilience Scale, the widely-used PHQ-9 depression scale, the Spanish version of the Nursing Stress Scale, and an ad-hoc questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic and occupational variables.

RESULTS

A total of 686 participants answered the survey. Resilience was high or very high in health professionals, with an inverse correlation with stress and depression scores. Personal on fixed shifts showed better resilience. The most stressed health professionals were full-time registered nurses, followed by health care assistants. Up to 25% of nursing professionals had depression.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a high degree of resilience among nurse professionals despite the overwhelming nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevant signs of depression and stress were detected among participants. Occupational factors heavily influenced nurses' resilience, stress and depression.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING & HEALTH POLICY

Government policy shifts are needed in Spain to improve nurses' workforce conditions, enhance the ratio of nurses to patient numbers, and avoid workforce losses. Maintaining the resilience of health professionals would assist in improving their health and their capacity to possible future emergency situations.

Identifying the risk features for occupational stress in medical workers: a cross-sectional study

Objective

Occupational stress is considered a worldwide epidemic experienced by a large proportion of the working population. The identification of characteristics that place people at high risk for occupational stress is the basis of managing and intervening in this condition. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate the risk features for occupational stress among medical workers using a risk model and nomogram.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1988 eligible participants from Henan Province in China. Occupational stress and worker-occupation fit were measured with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and Worker-Occupation Fit Inventory (WOFI). The identification of risk features was achieved through constructing multiple logistic regression model, and the risk features were used to develop the risk model and nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration plots were generated to assess the effectiveness and calibration of the risk model.

Results

Among 1988 participants in our study, there were 42.5% (845/1988) medical workers experienced occupational stress. The risk features for occupational stress included poor work-occupation fit (WOF score < 25, expected risk: 77.3%), nurse population (expected risk: 63.1%), male sex (expected risk: 67.2%), work experience duration of 11–19 years (expected risk: 54.5%), experience of a traumatic event (expected risk: 65.3%) and the lack of a regular exercise habit (expected risk: 60.2%). For medical workers who have these risk features, the expected risk probability of occupational stress would be 90.2%.

Conclusion

The current data can be used to identify medical workers at risk of developing occupational stress. Identifying risk features for occupational stress and the work-occupation fit can support hierarchical stress management in hospitals.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-021-01762-3.

Depressive symptoms and professional satisfaction in Greek nursing personnel in the realm of European financial crisis

BACKGROUND

The ongoing economic crisis in Europe, including Greece, has been linked with increased psychiatric morbidity and financial rewards reduction, both related to job dissatisfaction.

AIM

We explored among Greek nursing personnel the degree of satisfaction from wages, and associations with depressive symptoms and total professional satisfaction. Also, associations with socio-demographic, educational and employment variables were explored.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was applied (July to August 2015). A census sample of 66 members of nursing personnel employed in a randomly selected Greek public hospital completed the Index of Work Satisfaction and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.

RESULTS

The response rate was 73.4%. The degree of satisfaction from wages was low [mean (SD) = 2.1(0.13)-scale range/item 1-7], and strongly positively associated with total professional satisfaction (r = 0.419, P = 0.005). Also, those working in morning shift reported higher degree of work satisfaction from wages (P = 0.05) compared to those working in rotation shifts. Total professional satisfaction was moderate [mean (SD)/item = 3.93(0.05)-scale range/item: 1-7]. Higher depressive symptom values were observed in deputy head nurses compared to nursing assistants (P = 0.011) and staff nurses (P = 0.02), as well as in employees working in morning shifts compared to those working in rotation shifts (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

An association between satisfaction from wages and total professional satisfaction was noted; yet, there was no link of depressive symptoms with satisfaction from wages, or total professional satisfaction. Instead, satisfaction from wages and intensity of depressive symptoms were associated with organizational/administrative polices and employment variables.

Job stress and its relationship with nurses' autonomy and nurse-physician collaboration in intensive care unit

AIMS

To determine nurses' job stress and its relationship with professional autonomy and nurse-physician collaboration in intensive care unit (ICU).

BACKGROUND

Low professional autonomy, high job stress and lack of nurse-physician collaboration can affect nursing care in ICU and the main reasons ICU nurses leave the occupation or transfer to other clinical units.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted on 398 nurses in teaching hospitals in Urmia, Iran, in 2020. Data were collected using the Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale, the Health and Safety Executive tool and the Jefferson Scale of Attitudes toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration.

RESULTS

The mean job stress (115.53 ± 12.42) and professional autonomy (102.19 ± 11.88) of ICU nurses were 'moderate', and nurse-physician collaboration (74.25 ± 5.10) was 'good'. There was a positive relationship between professional autonomy and job stress (r = .506) and nurse-physician collaboration (r = .242). Professional autonomy was a predictor of job stress in nurses (p < .000), and work experience in ICU can cause job stress in nurses (p = .024).

CONCLUSION

Increasing nurses' professional autonomy causes an increase in job stress and improves nurse-physician collaboration in ICU.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nursing managers should implement practical strategies to improve nurses' autonomy, enhance nurse-physician collaboration and decrease their job stress.

Transitional Shock of Multi-Nationality Newly Graduate Nurses in Kuwait

Introduction

The transitional period of newly graduate nurses became more stressful, different coping mechanisms are essential. Therefore, effective coping with transition-related stress and anxiety is important for the life and professional of those nurses.

Objectives

To examine the transitional shock through assessing the occupational stress and coping mechanism of multi-nationality newly graduate nurses in Kuwait.

Methods

A descriptive correlational design was used to identify the occupational stress of the newly graduate nurses (NGNs) and their coping mechanisms during the transitional period to their professional life. All the NGNs were recruited. The total number of participants was 152 nurses.

Results

Highly significant correlations on almost all stress domains with p-values P < 0.01. We found that "Death and dying" was ranked as the highest stressor with a mean score of 6.20, followed by "uncertainty concerning treatment" with a mean score of 5.59, and in the "Inadequate preparation" was the least stressor with a mean score of 1.64.

Conclusion

"Religious coping" was the highest-ranked coping mechanism. In conclusion, NGNs have to adjust quickly to the new practical atmosphere encountered in the health care settings by using the proper coping mechanisms techniques.

Stressors for emergency department nurses: Insights from a cross-sectional survey

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to profile stress, exploring whether demographics and/or other factors uniquely contribute to stress for emergency departments nurses.

BACKGROUND

Nursing has been identified as a stressful profession with the potential to have negative impacts on nurses' physical and mental health. Nurses working in emergency departments face unique daily stressors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey using a correlational design.

METHODS

The survey was distributed in May 2019 to ED nurses working in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A total of 242 nurses completed the survey, of which 190 cases were analysed. A standardised scale was used in the survey, the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS). The sampling method for this research was non-probability purposive sampling. STROBE checklist was used for this manuscript.

RESULTS

The results of this study indicated that emergency department nurses experience stress in their work settings. Stress is experienced predominantly because of problems in dealing with patients and their families, high workloads, and uncertainty concerning treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide valuable insights into the work-related stress experienced by emergency department nurses. This information can be used to inform the development of strategies to minimise stress for emergency nurses.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study builds on existing, and contributes to new, knowledge about the current stressors for emergency department nurses. The results provide insights into how policies and procedures may need to be adjusted and interventions developed, that can help in reducing stress.

Effect of four weeks of integrated yoga intervention on perceived stress and sleep quality among female nursing professionals working at a tertiary care hospital: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Studies have reported that significant nursing professionals experience tremendous stress which often affects their sleep quality leading to poor well-being. Yoga being a mind body intervention reported to improve sleep quality and reduce stress.

AIM

The present pilot study was designed to assess the effect of yoga on perceived stress and sleep quality of the female nursing professionals working at tertiary care hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three apparently healthy nursing staffs in the age range of 30-60 years (mean age 40.60 ± 10.26) were recruited as participants of the study, from a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Participants were administered perceived stress scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after the yoga intervention. Participants received 4 week of yoga intervention for 45 min/day for 5 days a week.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction on the postscores of PSS (t = 5.86, P < 0.0001, paired t-test) and PSQI (z = -4.38, P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test) in comparison to prescores. After the yoga intervention, perceived stress reduced by 27.01% and the sleep quality improved by 38.68%.

CONCLUSION

The finding of the study suggests effectiveness of yoga in reduction of the perceived stress and improvement of the quality of sleep of the nursing professional. However, the present findings need to be confirmed with further studies with larger sample size and robust research design.

The Relationship between Job Stress and Job Satisfaction among Saudi Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The productivity of nurses and patient healthcare is highly influenced by nurses’ stress-related factors and job satisfaction. Nursing is the least preferred career opportunities for Saudi residents as compared to other options. Nurses’ perceptions of intention to quit contributes to their shortage in Saudi health care institutions.Purpose: The study aimed to examine the relationship between work-related stress and job satisfaction among Saudi nurses working at a public hospital.Methods: The research used a cross-sectional design that collected data from samples of 297 nurses working at a specified public hospital and aged over than 20 years old. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit the samples. Data were collected using the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was applied, and Pearson’s correlation test was to identify the relationship between variables.Results: The results indicated that the nurses at the hospital where the study took place experienced low levels of stress with a mean value of 2.1995. Besides, the nature of work indicated maximum job satisfaction with a mean value of 15.666, whereas minimum job satisfaction levels (11.569), were related to benefits provided to nurses. A positive correlation was found between the level of stress and satisfaction with a p-value of 0.041.Conclusion: The stress factors were highly correlated with job satisfaction. The identification of stress factors is important as it may create a negative impact on patients’ care and their well-being. It is suggested that changes in managerial affairs and policies are essential for implementing beneficial strategies that may assist in resolving the issue.

Occupational stress and its related demographic factors among Iranian CCU nurses: a cross-sectional study

Objectives

Occupational stress can have an adverse effect on mental and physical health and performance of nurses. The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress of Iranian critical care unit (CCU) nurses and its related demographic factors.

Results

In this cross-sectional study, 155 CCU nurses were randomly selected. The Osipow Occupational Stress Questionnaire was used as data collection tool. The mean of nurses’ occupational stress was 210.13 ± 40.87 out of 300, which was at the “moderate-to-high” level. The highest mean of occupational stress was related to the subscale of “Role Overload” (36.30 ± 6.98) and the lowest mean was related to the subscale of “Physical Environment” (33.58 ± 9.76). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean occupational stress and variables of sex, age, academic degree and working experience.