Job Stress and Coping Strategies Among the Nurses in the Hospitals of Pokhara

Abstract

Nursing is generally perceived as a demanding profession. Nurses are exposed to many stressful demands and pressures. It is both physically and psychologically challenging. It is well known that prolonged stress is a precursor of burnout which is considered a major problem for many professions, and nurses are considered to be particularly susceptible. This study entitled “Job stress and Coping Strategies among the Nurses in the Hospitals of Pokhara” a case study research design was carried out to assess job stress and coping strategies used by nurses. A total of 20 nurses who have more than five years experiences were purposively selected from Manipal and Western regional hospital for the study. Face to face interview and audio-record were used to collect information. Descriptive analysis was done for data analysis. The results indicated that the major contributors of job stress among nurses are workload, shortage of staff, poor communication between co-worker, doctor, patient party, lack of recognition, inadequate equipments, lack of support from superiors, unnecessary blamed by doctor were found as major causes of stress in work place. So far the consequences or effects of job stress are concerned, to physical health, psychological health and socio-cultural environment. Back pain, leg pain due to long standings, headache, gastritis and tiredness are found as physical problems. Anger, anxiety, sleeplessness, sadness and loss of motivation, lack of recognition are found as psychological problems among nurse. Likewise unable to maintain family and neighbourhood relation because most of time are spent at hospital, unable to attend important festival and social function were found as socio-cultural problems. Regarding coping strategies commonly used among nurses were accepting the fact as it is, working as schedule, discussing the problems with colleagues, thinking for alternative solution, seeking support from superiors, make phone calls and take suggestion from others and engaging in hobbies such as listening music. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the government and Hospital Management Boards should improve the welfare of the nurses.