Identifying Individual Stressors in Geriatric Nursing Staff—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nurses in geriatric care are exposed to various burdens in the workplace that result in high stress levels. The perceived stress may result in a lack of professional caring and burnout. Objectives: The study aim was to identify work-related and personal factors that determine stress levels to design tailored interventions. Research design: cross-sectional study. Subjects: N = 195 geriatric nursing staff members. Measures: The survey included validated questionnaires (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS), Health Survey Short form 12 (SF-12), Nordic Questionnaire) to identify work-related burdens, resulting stress levels and work-related behavior (AVEM). According to the limits of the Screening Subscale for chronic stress (SSCS) of the TICS, nurses were classified as stressed or non-stressed. With four-step regression analysis, main predictors for the stress level were identified. Results: The analysis revealed body postures, handling heavy loads, time pressure, deadlines and pressure to perform as the main burdens of the participants. Chronically stressed nurses showed different work patterns in comparison to nurses with lower stress levels. The regression analysis showed significance for the models including the work-related patterns and resilience aspects (step three (F (3.42) = 4.168; p = 0.010) and four (F (7.35) = 4.194; p = 0.002). Pattern B was a main factor for determining stress. The stress level determined the perceived burdens. Conclusions: Experiencing and managing stressors depends on the individual’s perception, while coping patterns—especially pattern B—can be decisive. The tailored interventions to reduce stress in geriatric nurses should focus on personal patterns.