Stress management in the nursing profession

Abstract

CorrespondenceJacqueline Dionne-Proulx Uniuersitt du Qutbec b Trois-Riuieres Dtpartement d'Administration et d'gconomique 3351 Boulevard des Forges Trois-Rivieres (Qutbec) Canada G9A 5H7DIONNE-PROULX J. 6r PBPIN R. (1993) lournal of Nursing Management 1,75-81 Stress management in the nursing professionResearch has revealed an excessive level of work-place stress in the nursing profession, the costs of which are very high. The aim of this research is to summarize the empirical literature on the subject and the means available for managing this type of stress efficiently. The scientific literature suggests that stress management strategies should include the following elements: a diagnosis of the various stressors encountered at personal and organizational levels; individual and organizational stress management strategies, such as better human resources management; involvement of personnel in the decision-making process; and adequate support at the professional and emotional levels. These factors, taken together, will enable most organizational stressors to be eliminated, and should improve both the quality of life in the work-place and the productivity of health professionals.

Lifestyle practices and the health promoting environment of hospital nurses

“…1995 ). When issues perceived as important to the individual’s working environment are not fulfilled, undermined or outside the direct control of the individual then it is more likely to become a source of stress ( Dionne‐Proulx & Pepin 1993). This study showed that nurses placed a high value on relationship at work as an important part of their working environment.…”

“…In coping with high workplace stress nurses tended to use professional support suggesting a positive mechanism of coping. However, organizational issues of job tasks, patterns of communication, and cultural norms must also be addressed to reduce workplace stress ( Kripke Byers 1987, Dionne‐Proulx & Pepin 1993). The importance of stress from aspects of nonworking life was also supported ( Dionne‐Proulx & Pepin 1993).…”

“…However, more recent research has signalled the importance of stress in the context of the organization where job tasks and job roles, patterns of communication and cultural norms are key factors in reducing worker stress ( Kripke Byers 1987). Stress in the nursing professional is widespread and the evidence suggests it is increasing in both its severity and impact ( Dionne‐Proulx & Pepin 1993, Farrington 1995, Wynne et al . 1993 ).…”

“…The workplace is a major source of stress for nurses which can include the nature of the work itself, the role of the nurse, career prospects and organizational structures. Developing resilience to stress through social support and coping strategies are believed to be of limited value unless elimination of stressors through organizational change is addressed concurrently ( Dionne‐Proulx & Pepin 1993).…”

“…Although social support plays an important role in promoting health, the mechanism by which its works is not fully understood ( Minkler 1986). The use of social support as an effective strategy in coping with stress has been well demonstrated ( Dionne‐Proulx & Pepin 1993, Fagin et al . 1995 ).…”