Exploring types and sources of stress in emergency nursing

Abstract

This qualitative study sought to explore the types and sources of stress in emergency nursing. It also examined the sources of satisfaction in emergency nursing, the coping methods used by emergency nurses and the signs and symptoms of stress in emergency nursing. Person-centered interviews were conducted with seven nurses from three different institutions in the city of Winnipeg. Research findings were interpreted in light of the Organizational Stress Framework developed by Matteson and Ivancevich. The findings of the study were presented in four major sections. The first section examined the sources of satisfaction in emergency nursing. The second section explored the types and sources of stress in emergency nursing and was divided into four major categories: (a) Problems in the health care system, (b) patient related factors, (c) unit management and (d) interpersonal relations. The third section explored the coping strategies used by these emergency nurses. The fourth and final section examined the signsand symptoms of stress in emergency nursing. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)