The Effectiveness of Stress Management Techniques in Emergency Nurses: A Systematic Review of Existing Studies

Abstract

Emergency nurses face significant levels of occupational stress due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of their work. This stress, if unmanaged, can lead to severe consequences, including burnout, emotional distress, and physical health problems, which ultimately affect both nurse’s well-being and the quality of patient care. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of stress management techniques aimed at alleviating stress among emergency nurses. The review identifies key stressors affecting emergency nurses, including work-related challenges, emotional burdens, and organizational shortcomings. It explores various stress management interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and workplace support programs. The findings indicate that these strategies can significantly reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, and improve job satisfaction when tailored to the unique demands of emergency nursing. By synthesizing evidence from existing studies, this review provides actionable insights for healthcare administrators and policymakers to develop and implement targeted stress management programs. These interventions not only support nurse well-being but also contribute to improved healthcare outcomes. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term effectiveness of these techniques and exploring innovative approaches to stress reduction in emergency nursing contexts.