This study will assess and explain in depth the observed stress female nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICU). According to the World Health Organization, mental stress is a significant problem of our times and affects both physical as well as mental health of individuals. Nurses especially face a high level of stress due to the nature of their job and various other factors that we will discuss in detail. The article will also touch upon the different stress-coping methods in the forms of behavioral, cognitive, and psychological exercises to help professionals deal with work-related stress.
Professional stress causes a threat to mental and physical health. Work-related stress in the life of established workers and, consequently, affects the health of organizations and the people they serve.
There are many extensive studies done on nursing that have indicated that job stress is significant. It is no secret that the job of a nurse is demanding the stress brought about hazardous impacts not only on nurses’ health but also on their capacity to cope with the work and demands of the patients.
This level of stress will seriously impair the quality of care and the efficacy of health services they deliver. The job stress of nurses working in acute and specialized care units, in particular, has been studied extensively in numerous reports. Factors such as a heavy workload, dealing with death, inadequate staffing, inter-staff conflict, inconsistent shift timings, uncertain career path, and lack of resources for providing care and poor organizational support are the primary source of job stress with female nurses.
Various factors can influence the stress in the critical nursing staff. Some of the factors include:
- Lack of composure and competence in the critical care areas;
- New and unfamiliar technologies, constant change in the leadership, and roles in the work environment;
- Lack of care for self;
- Anxiety and lack of guidance with new roles and new expectations;
- Limited training in the new work tasks;
- Lack of medical equipment and risen consumption of healthcare goods and services; and
- Shortage of nursing staff and insufficient competence at work tasks.
This article explores the various findings and provides support for said findings with the data that they have accumulated for a clearer picture of the trends in the stress faced by the nurses.
Besides stress factors, nursing an ever-demanding career and has a greater scope for graduates with a bachelor of nursing degree. Every profession is stressful. However, nursing is a noble profession. When the country meets the demand of nurses, there will not be any work pressure. As the demand is growing gradually and expected to reach 5.9 million in the next 10 years (according to WHO), taking up a nursing course in Zambia and setting up a career in nursing would be a brilliant choice to have a compelling career.
Choose the best nursing school in Zambia and have a compelling career!
