Relationship between job stress level and coping strategies used by Hong Kong nurses working in an acute surgical unit
Received 8 December 2008; received in revised form 20 August 2009; accepted 15 September 2009. published online 26 October 2009. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between job stress and coping strategies of Hong Kong nurses working in an acute surgical unit.
Method
This is a descriptive correlational study. Data were collected from 98 Hong Kong surgical nurses using the Nursing Stress Scale and the Jalowiec Coping Scale.
Results
Results showed that workload (M = 15.36), lack of support (M = 13.32), and inadequate preparation (M = 12.33) are the most common stressors for Hong Kong surgical nurses. The most frequent strategies used by nurses to cope with stress can be characterized as evasive (M = 19.23), confrontive (M = 17.46), and optimistic (M = 15.81), all of which are also rated as the most effective strategies in reducing stress levels. Only the confrontive, optimistic, supportant, and emotive coping strategies reveal significant correlations (p < .05) with the stress levels of nurses, whereas the evasive, fatalistic, palliative, and self-reliant strategies showed no significant correlation with stress levels (p > .05).
Conclusion
Recognizing the impacts of job-related stress and making use of effective coping methods play a vital role in reducing nurse's stress. A change in leadership styles from the managerial level and reallocation of manpower may help reduce job stress. The use of confrontive and optimistic coping strategies in reducing job-related stress for surgical nurses should be advocated and promoted in their daily work.
aThe Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
ABSTRACT