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NURSING AS A STRESSFUL PROFESSION: A VALIDATION STUDY AMONG NURSING MANAGERS IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL

A enfermagem como uma profissão estressante: um estudo de validação entre os enfermeiros gestores de um hospital público

Vaneila  Ferreira Martins1*,  Vania  Moraes  Ferreira2, Isabel Dias Carvalho3, Pedro Sadi  Monteiro4,  Dirce

Guilhem5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

ABSTRACT

This study sought to establish whether stress is an actual phenomenon among nursing managers  because  several studies have  highlighted the strain associated  with the nursing profession, but they have  characterised  it  as occupational  stress arising from factors related to patient care.  For this purpose,  a questionnaire was  used to characterise  the sample population and  verify their self-perception and  general ideas  about stress. The sample included  13  nurses with a managing  position in a public hospital.  Data  were  evaluated  by  quantitative/ qualitative statistical analyses. The results show that most nursing managers have stress at some point in their daily routine. The stress they experience  was  classified into three categories:  stress related with everyday pressures and work overload,  positive or negative stimuli, and physical and emotional strain. Demands were associated with leadership  activities and  general  features of the managing  position as  well as  with factors related  to everyday life. In regards to the self-perception of the manifestation of stress, a higher rate of psycho-physiological alterations was verified. This study demonstrates the need for more thorough research on stress within the context of programs seeking to improve work-related quality of life.