Development and testing of the Stressor Scale for Pediatric Oncology Nurses

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In a series of five studies, the research team tested components of the stress-response sequence (SRS) model to determine the relationships between role-related stress, coping, and work consequences in pediatric oncology nurses. The combined outcomes indicated that the model required revision to include role-related meaning; this study tested the revised model. Eighty-nine pediatric oncology nurses from one setting completed seven study questionnaires. The new scale, the Role-Related Meaning Scale, created for this study achieved a Cronbach's alpha of .83 and significant positive correlations with other study variables. Descriptive findings indicate that the nurses are moderately to highly stressed; use coping strategies frequently and effectively; have high levels of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and group cohesion; and exhibit low intent to leave the organization. Importantly, the stress and coping components of the model did not predict role consequences. These outcomes suggest that the revised SRS model does not adequately predict role consequences in pediatric oncology nurses. A new model is proposed.

Section: Instruments Stressorsmentioning

confidence: 51%

Testing the Revised Stress-Response Sequence Model in Pediatric Oncology Nurses

Hinds

Srivastava

Randall

et al. 2003

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“…The most highly rated job-related stressor in each sample of nurses was the death of a patient with whom the nurse had developed a close relationship. 6 The purpose of the third study was to determine the impact of a grief workshop on selected work-related consequences (grief 15 and stress scores) in pediatric oncology nurses. This study allowed us to simultaneously test three components of the stressresponse sequence.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Peak and Nadir Experiences and Their Consequences Described by Pediatric Oncology Nurses

Olson

Hinds

Euell

et al. 1998

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Pediatric oncology nurses experience role-related stressors, some of which are inherent to the speciality, and their consequences. Despite these difficulties, nurses continue in the specialty. One variable that helps to explain their continued commitment is "meaning", or what pediatric oncology nurses find to be most significant and satisfying in their roles. One technique for determining meaning in a role is to inquire about the peak (significant and positive) and nadir (significant and negative) role-related experiences and the consequences of both kinds of experiences. The purpose of this study was to identify the peak and nadir experiences of pediatric oncology nurses and the short- and long-term consequences of those experiences. Using an interview format that consisted of four open-ended questions and a convenience sampling plan, five nurses interviewed 26 nurses from one pediatric cancer center and 38 nurses from a national sample. The interviewers completed an initial training session on interviewing and repeated that training two more times during data collection. Written or taped oral consent was obtained at the time of each interview. Using a content analytical technique (Krippendorff, 1980), four nurses independently coded each interview. Agreement ratings ranged from 75% to 100% per coded theme for an overall agreement level of 92%. Training for the coding process occurred initially and periodically throughout the analysis period. Fifteen different themes for peak experiences were identified, the majority of which reflect the nurses' experience with patients dying, or with patients recovering and living normal lives, or with the close relationships that develop between nurses and patients. Multiple short- and long-term consequences were identified and included changes in (1) values (becoming less judgmental), (2) behaviors (giving more empathic care), and (3) perspective (accepting limitations of care). Twenty-three different nadir themes were identified. A shared characteristic of several of these themes is the nurses' regret over a perceived inadequacy in handling a situation. Another common element is witnessing patient suffering and feeling unable to adequately relieve the suffering or provide comfort to the patient. The short-term consequences of nadir experiences tend to be negative and include guilt, anger, or dread. The long-term consequences tend to be positive and similar to the long-term consequences of peak experiences. Study findings indicate that pediatric oncology nurses do find meaning in their roles and that those who continue in the speciality are able to experience positive long-term consequences. Study findings will be used to develop a new scale to measure role-related meaning and to develop interventions designed to assist nurses in finding meaning in their roles even during particularly stressful periods.

“…The SSPON was also found to be stable over a 14-day period (test-retest correlation coefficient for the total score = 0.88) and internally consistent (total scale α coefficient = 0.94). The total scale α coefficient remained at 0.94 when recalculated with the resulting 50 items (Hinds et al, 1990). Subsequently, other studies using the SSPON found similar internal consistency (Cronbach's α) of the total scale from 0.90 to 0.93 (Bond, 1994;Hinds et al, 1998;Hinds et al, 2003).…”

Section: Study Design and Toolmentioning

confidence: 68%

“…Studies also suggest that inexperienced nurses may experience higher levels of work-related stress than experienced nurses (Emery, 1993;Hinds et al, 1990;Hinds, Quargnenti, et al, 1994). Hinds, Quargnenti, et al (1994) found that novice nurses had fewer coping reactions, which sometimes led to resignations, compared with experienced nurses who reported a larger repertoire of coping reactions which resulted in more positive consequences.…”

Section: Review Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The 61-item tool was then tested with samples from 3 geographically separate centers. Eleven items that were either weakly correlated with the total scale (<.20) or were highly correlated with each other (>.80) were deleted, resulting in a final scale of 50 items (Hinds et al, 1990). The SSPON was also found to be stable over a 14-day period (test-retest correlation coefficient for the total score = 0.88) and internally consistent (total scale α coefficient = 0.94).…”

Section: Study Design and Toolmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of the Clinical Support Nurse Role on Work-related Stress for Nurses on an Inpatient Pediatric Oncology Unit

Chang

Kicis

Sangha

2007

High patient acuity, heavy workload, and patient deaths can all contribute to work-related stress for pediatric oncology nurses. A new leadership role, the clinical support nurse (CSN), was recently initiated on the oncology unit of a large Canadian pediatric hospital to support frontline staff and reduce some of the stresses related to clinical activity. The CSN assists nurses with complex patient care procedures, provides hands-on education at the bedside, and supports staff in managing challenging family situations. This study explores the effect of the CSN role on the nurses' work-related stress using the Stressor Scale for Pediatric Oncology Nurses. A total of 58 nurses participated in this study for a response rate of 86%. The results show that the intensity of work-related stress experienced by nurses in this study is significantly less (P < .001) on shifts staffed with a CSN compared with shifts without a CSN.