Role Stress In Nurses: Review Of Related Factors And Strategies For Moving Forward

Abstract

1. Introduction
Role stress in nurses and its influence on medical services have attracted attention in recent years and have been studied as a major and important issue. Studies conducted using various terminologies such as burnout, job-related stress, job dissatisfaction, and depression all referred to the concept of role stress. In particular, the fact that the caregiving role of medical professionals, including nurses, has been increasing as medical technology develops and life span lengthens has caused their role stress to increase, and the physical and mental pain incurred has adverse effects on the quality of medical treatment services provided. The nature of the working conditions, role limitations, and inappropriate environment often act as violent stressors causing distress in nurses' work. Thus, this paper examines the theoretical aspects of role stress experienced by nurses, delineates personal and situational factors contributing to role stress from a review of previous research, and offers strategies to alleviate role stress.
Methods
In support of multiple and diverse sources of information, existing reviews of stress related to nursing are being used to define the nurses' specific occupation. Where there is consensus or where debate has developed, the aim is to clarify their basis. In addition to searching bibliographic databases, journal and conference papers, and books, further details were gathered from actual and prospective study references, manuals, discussion papers, threads on specialized electronic discussion groups, research proposals, and articulation of emerging consensus or ruminations currently under debate. Besides the universal availability of information, the use of specialized tools and ongoing documentation is also becoming the norm. Certain obvious deficiencies in literature were noted. For example, with regard to uniformity of terminology, several authors lament the inconsistent use of different terms and the absence of differentiated and specific definitions that make it difficult to distinguish between the stressors and the strains of the profession.
Conclusion
Continued nursing practice hinges upon recognition, prevention, and management of the significant role of stressors in nursing. Implementation of workplace strategies may buffer the negative impact of role stress suffered by practicing nurses. The present review has summarized the contributing role stress factors in nurses, as well as several workplace strategies that have been shown to reduce the detriment to nurse well-being. Practice recommendations for nurse managers and nurse scientists are provided, employing a generational model to frame workplace strategies. A 10-step model for reducing role stress in nurses is presented for ease of application.
Role stress has been shown to be a prevalent problem in the nursing profession and is associated with significant emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Such negative consequences are likely to result in organizational absenteeism, turnover, and burnout, all of which have implications for the present and future workforce. Given that migration of the workforce is anticipated in the next five years, it is important to recognize the role stressors faced by nurses and implement workplace strategies to reduce these stressors. In the present review, related factors of role stress in nursing are examined. In addition, workplace strategies employed by nurse managers and nurse scientists to buffer the effect of role stress and subsequently reduce the experienced stressors are also reviewed. The paper is concluded with a 10-step model for moving forward.