Reducing occupational stress in intensive care.

A literature review is presented of the causes of occupational stress in three major categories: the physical environment, the job itself and the organisation, and recommendations for strategies to manage occupational stress are put forward.

Abstract

Stress factors, especially if occurring frequently, can have implications for nursing practice in intensive care. A literature review is presented of the causes of occupational stress in three major categories: the physical environment, the job itself and the organisation (Jee and Reason, 1988). The stressors of noise, nursing in intensive care and bullying are expanded upon. Recommendations for strategies which could be employed to manage occupational stress are put forward.