Stressors and coping strategies for emergency department nurses in New South Wales of Australia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to stress for emergency departments (ED) nurses. In addition, this study identified some preferred strategies for ED nurses to minimise stress. Method: The research methodology is a cross-sectional survey. This survey was sent to a sample of ED nurses working in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Two standardised scales were used in the survey, the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The sampling method for this research is a non-probability purposive sampling approach. Results: The results of the study indicated that ED nurses in NSW experience stress in their work settings mostly because of problems in dealing with patients and their families, high workload, and uncertainty concerning treatment. In addition, the results outlined some of the preferred strategies that ED nurses in NSW use to minimise stress such as seeking workplace support, spending some quality time with friends and families, and implement self-regulation techniques like exercise, humour and meditation. Furthermore, the results showed that ED nurses in NSW experience high levels of burnout at their work settings. Conclusion: The results of this study provide useful implications for nurses, managers and educators in NSW, Australia. These implications can be used as one part of a suite of initiatives to minimise stress and a better working environment for ED nurses in NSW. Moreover, the study results can provide nursing students and newly graduate nurses who might start working in ED with useful insight and tips in dealing with stress at their work settings.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English