1.1 Introduction
Work related stress defined in terms of external, usually physical, forces acting on an individual. Stress is caused by stressors, which are events that create a state of disequilibrium within an individual. Many employees may suffer from anxiety disorders or stress-related illnesses (Ritchie et al. 2009). Nursing by its nature is subjected to a high degree of stress. Each day the nurse deals with grief, stark suffering, and death as few other people do. A lot of tasks are boring and unrewarding. Some are distasteful, normal standards, even disgusting, degrading and frightening (Sarafino, 2002).
Nursing is a demanding profession that requires high levels of skill, compassion, and resilience. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, often working long hours in high-pressure environments. However, the nature of their work can also expose them to significant levels of stress, which can have detrimental effects on their well-being and job performance. Numerous factors contribute to work-related stress among nurses, including heavy workloads, staffing shortages, shift work, exposure to traumatic events, and interpersonal conflicts in the workplace.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In the mid-20th century, seminal studies began to shed light on the challenges faced by nurses in their work environments. Research focused on identifying stressors such as heavy workloads, lack of resources, and role ambiguity, and their impact on nurses' psychological and physical health. As the nursing profession evolved and healthcare systems underwent transformations, so too did the research on work-related stress among nurses. Studies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries delved deeper into the specific factors contributing to stress, including organizational culture, leadership styles, and the effects of shift work and overtime.
Historically, studies have shown that nurses experience higher levels of stress compared to many other professions. Factors such as heavy workloads, inadequate staffing levels, long working hours, and exposure to emotionally charged situations contribute to this stress. Additionally, the hierarchical nature of healthcare organizations, lack of autonomy, and limited decision-making authority can exacerbate stress among nurses.
Nursing is often described as a rewarding yet challenging profession, characterized by high levels of responsibility and emotional demands. Over the years, research has consistently highlighted the prevalence of work-related stress among nurses and its impact on both individual nurses and the healthcare system as a whole. Moreover, the nursing profession is not immune to broader societal and healthcare system challenges, such as budget constraints, and evolving patient care demands. These external factors can further strain nurses' ability to cope with work-related stressors.
Stress on its own does not have any damaging effect on an individual; however individuals' assessment of an event, their perceptions and interpretations give meaning and their coping ability determines whether events are viewed as threatening or positive. Personality traits also influence individual reaction to stress because what may be strenuous to one person may be stimulating to another (Robinson, M. D. et al., 2011). As far back as the mid-1950s, stress was regarded as an occupational hazard and occupational stress cited as a significant health problem (Jennings, B.M., 2009). Nurse's role has long been regarded as stress-filled based upon the physical labor, human suffering, work hours, staffing, and interpersonal relationships that are central to what the work nurses do (Lukpata, F. E. et al., 2013).
This stressful nature of nursing can ultimately lead to job dissatisfaction and burnout (Arafa, M.A., 2003). This statement is in line with some studies which conclude that the provision of health care services is demanding both physically and psychologically ( Ilhan, M.N., 2005). Nursing occupies a conspicuous position among the professions that have been identified as the most stressful worldwide as nurses relate with humans mostly in times of pain, suffering and death (Lukpata, F .E. et al., 2013).
Nurses work tirelessly rendering care to critically and chronically ill patients who are between life and death in an environment where there is lack of tolerance for error (Rowe, J., 2003), all these can exert intense psychological and physical pressures on the health care giver leading to stress or burn out syndrome.
Among health care professionals, nurses have been found to be most prone to burnout (Abushaikha, L. And Saca-Hazboun, H., 2009). This is more so because nurses are expected to deliver humane, empathetic, culturally sensitive, proficient and moral care, in working environments with limited resources, reduced supply of nurses and increasing responsibilities. Such imbalance between providing high quality care within an environment of limited resources leads to stress (Khamisa, N., 2015). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Factors Associated with Work Related Stress Among Nurses.
1.3 Statement of the Problems
Investigation revealed that work-related stress among nurses is a pervasive issue that not only affects the well-being of individual nurses but also has implications for patient care outcomes and healthcare system performance. Despite extensive research on this topic, there remains a need to further explore and understand the specific factors contributing to work-related stress among nurses.
More so, the complexity of nursing work environments, coupled with the unique demands of the profession, presents numerous challenges that can elevate stress levels among nurses. These challenges may include heavy workloads, staffing shortages, shift work, exposure to traumatic events, and interpersonal conflicts in the workplace. However, the relative importance of these factors and their interrelationships are not fully understood.
Furthermore, while interventions aimed at reducing work-related stress among nurses exist, their effectiveness in addressing the diverse needs of nursing staff remains unclear. Additionally, the impact of organizational policies, leadership styles, and workplace culture on nurses' stress levels warrants further investigation.
Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the factors associated with work related stress among nurses.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The main aim of this study is to identify and analyze the Factors Associated with Work Related Stress Among Nurses in Yakurr Local Government Area. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify the primary sources of work-related stress among nurses, including workload, staffing levels, shift patterns, and exposure to traumatic events;
- To investigate how organizational factors such as leadership styles, workplace culture, and administrative support influence stress levels among nurses;
- To evaluate the physical, mental, and emotional health outcomes associated with work-related stress among nurses;
- To examine how stress affects job performance, including job satisfaction, absenteeism, and turnover rates; and
- To propose evidence-based recommendations for healthcare organizations to implement strategies that mitigates work-related stress among nurses.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does stress affect job performance, including job satisfaction, absenteeism, and turnover rates?
- What are the primary sources of work-related stress among nurses?
- What are the strategies needed by healthcare organizations that mitigates work-related stress among nurses?
- How does organizational factors influence stress levels among nurses?
- What is the physical, mental, and emotional health outcomes associated with work-related stress among nurses?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to improve the well-being of nurses, enhance patient care, and optimize healthcare system performance. Moreover, addressing work-related stress can help reduce nurse turnover rates and absenteeism, which are often high in stressful work environments. This can lead to more stable staffing levels, and reduced costs associated with hiring and training new staff.
Furthermore, the study's findings can inform healthcare policymakers and administrators about the critical areas needing attention and improvement. By implementing evidence-based policies and practices, healthcare organizations can create more supportive and sustainable work environments for nurses.
Ultimately, the findings of this research will contribute to a more resilient and satisfied nursing workforce, which is essential for the overall effectiveness and sustainability of healthcare systems. By fostering a better understanding of work-related stress and its management, the research study seeks to enhance the quality of both nursing practice and patient care.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Factors Associated with Work Related Stress Among Nurses in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Work-Related Stress:
A response experienced when the demands of the job exceed the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker, leading to physical and mental strain. in the context of nursing, this includes factors such as high workload, long hours, and exposure to traumatic events (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).
Burnout:
A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, often characterized by feelings of overwhelming fatigue, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. Burnout is particularly prevalent among nurses due to the high demands of their job (Maslach & Jackson, 1981).
Compassion Fatigue:
It is a specific type of burnout that affects individuals in caregiving professions, marked by a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It is often caused by constant exposure to patients' suffering and the demands of providing empathetic care (Figley, 1995).
Shift Work:
It refers to a work schedule that involves shifts outside the traditional 9 am to 5 pm workday, including night shifts, early morning shifts, and rotating shifts. Shift work is common in nursing and can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to increased stress and health issues (Akerstedt, 2003).
