Sources of stress and coping : a questionnaire survey

Abstract

This research study explored the issues of stress and coping among C.C.U. nurses. A descriptive, cross-sectional, survey design incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. The sample included a total population (n=15) of nurses working on a full time shift basis providing direct care to C.C.U. in St. Luke's hospital. Questionnaires consisting of a modified version of NSS (Gray-Toft & Anderson, 1981 ), a section on stress and coping methods and a section on personal demographic data, were administered to the sample. Analysis of the data was done by calculating median values for the Likert Scale items and the perceived effectiveness measurements in using coping methods, and using content analysis for the open-ended questions. The majority of the respondents in the present study were females, aged 20-29 years old, and married, having high academic status, with few years experience in nursing and C.C.U. nursing. The most frequently experienced stressors were those related to workload. Also, the majority of nurses found lack of support related to equipment, in particular computer availability, as frequently stressful. Most participants viewed stress as negative. Problem management strategies and relaxation techniques were mostly used by the participants. Overall perceived effectiveness by using the mentioned coping methods was found to be 74%. The main recommendations are to: ensure adequate staffing is matched with the workload; ensure C.C.U. nurses work with adequate and effective equipment; provide educational programmes in explaining the term stress; provide problem management educational programmes; and to provide relaxation outlets inside the hospital.