Occupational Stress In Nursing Profession
Stress is that ever elusive mystery that evades us. It is not as simple as breaking a bone or suffering insomnia; you cannot just apply a cast or take a pill. It is more challenging to identify the source and decipher a remedy. I always thought stress was just part of my life, my fault in a way. I know I have tremendous amounts of guilt, something I have become aware others do not have. I have always felt if I could just brush things off like others, I would experience less stress maybe even be happier.
However, I sometimes feel this is just how I am. There have been days I have felt motivated by my stress, like a perfectionist who has pride in a job done well, thorough and proper. I agree with the literature I have researched, stress can be empowering or debilitating, but either way there is a way to manage it, I just have to find what works for me. I look forward to assisting others tackle this challenging puzzle for them in their life. The nursing process allows nurses to create unique relationships with their patients, ones that allow them to formulate a bond of trust. Once this is accomplished, nurses can begin to design the plan of care centered around the patients particular situation. The nurse can apply basic principles of interventions after emotional trauma to reduce stress and reassure the patient they are in a safe environment.
The nurse can help the patient identify and practice coping mechanisms for stress and conquer destructive thoughts. Nurses can take action, be available, quietly listen and help devise a plan. Nurses can teach the patient and their family members about the plan and the essential goals and remind them this is an ongoing process and may take time. Nurses are in a unique positon to identify and address the caregiver’s needs for education, intervention, and support services. (Stuart, 2013, p. 725) Most importantly, self-care is important because a happy nurse makes happy patients through exceptional nursing care. Conclusion My exploration into “stress” has shown me that I am not the odd woman out, that I am not alone in my overwhelmed world. Yes, I know other students were struggling with stress as well, but I would not have believed that so many people are burdened. I just don’t see many people who are hampered with guilt, even though guilt is not the only source. We have reviewed, compared and related the various nursing articles written about stress and the toll it takes. I shared additional ideas I have of stress and how I see treatment of stress by nurses. Sarafis et al. (2016) showed us that occupational stress affects nurses’ health-related quality of life negatively, while it can also be considered as an influence on patient outcomes.
“According to the American Institute of Stress, stress is a major factor in up to 80% of all work-related injuries and 40% of workplace turnovers” (Sarafis et al. , 2016). Positive work environments built with collaboration, admiration, and respect promotes job satisfaction and retention. It is frustrating how nurses cannot reach all that need their care and support in the community. To know that there are so many children around the world that need help and who are not likely to receive it, is heart breaking. Rollins (2018) said it well, “Separating children from their parents and detaining them in deplorable settings is a hideous, indelible stain on our nation’s character. I agree.
