Stress and Coping among Psychiatric Nurses

Abstract

Objective: This paper reviews current literature of stress and coping among psychiatric nurses to gain more information about psychiatric nursing job stress, coping strategies, and the relationship between job stress and coping strategies. Method: Published research was systemically retrieved, interrogated, and analyzed. Result: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The present review of nursing literature has highlighted a dearth of studies addressing stress and coping in psychiatric nurses. This limits the ability to compare and synthesize findings. However, the published studies paint a picture of psychiatric nurses’ experiences related to workplace stress and interpersonal relationships, particularly with patients and colleagues. These stressors can lead to poor health and daily functioning. Nurses also experience job dissatisfaction and report their intention to change profession as a result of work-related stress. Psychiatric nurses use mainly problem-focused strategies to deal with work stress. Commonly used problemfocused strategies include problem orientation and social support. Overall, psychiatric nurses perceive social support, particularly family support, as an essential component in their coping with stress. It is recommended that health organizations recognize the need to provide appropriate support to nurses, perhaps in line with western initiatives. Discussion: There is no study that has been conducted on the topic in Jordan. Therefore, the research about this topic is a national and international priority. We hope, however, that the next few years will witness conducting some researches about this topic in Jordan in the light of current development in our national competencies that are qualified to conduct such research.