Perceived and sources of occupational stress in surgical intensive care nurses

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to determine sources of stress and stress levels of nurses working in surgical intensive care units in addition to understanding the stress level in nurses, drawing attention and raising awareness. Material and methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive design with the participation of nurses ( n=132) working in surgical intensive care units of a university hospital. The data were collected through the source of stress identification form and perceived stress scale. The data obtained in the study were transferred to a computer environment, and for statistical analyses, the package for social sciences for Windows 25 software was used. In the analyses of the data, descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and regression analysis, and the Bonferroni test were employed. Results: It was also determined that 28.8% of the surgical nurses were working in an organ transplant intensive care unit and 25% worked in an anaesthesia intensive care unit, that 49.3% had professional experience of between 6 and 11 years and that 92.4% worked on both day and night shifts. In the study, the rate of nurses who perceived a high level of stress was found to be 45.5%, and it was identified that 78.8% needed training in stress management. Conclusion: Imperative funding and human resources should be provided in order to give nurses problem-solving abilities and a stress management course. The financial support of the managers and spiritual support of health professionals and organising regular meetings with nurses can help nurses to experience less stress.