Stress and coping in Australian nurses: a systematic review

A systematic review of the current literature on stress and coping strategies within the Australian nursing population found recommendations included factoring in personal and work stresses, promoting the use of effective coping strategies and maintaining supportive social relationships.

Abstract

AIM: To identify factors that contribute to stress in Australian nurses, consider the coping strategies they use and examine the effects of stressors on nurses' health and well-being. BACKGROUND: Stress is a major concern in the nursing profession with work overload, nurse shortages and high turnover rates as the common stressors. Although nursing stress has been studied extensively, there is a lack of clarity on the nursing situation in Australia. METHODS: A systematic review of the current literature was conducted on stress and coping strategies within the Australian nursing population. RESULTS: Stressors included work overload, role conflicts and experiences of aggression. Coping strategies included seeking support, problem solving and self-control. The majority of the studies reported detrimental effects on nurses' physical and mental well-being with little consideration given to the spillover effects of nursing work stress to their family and social relationships. CONCLUSION: Recommendations included factoring in personal and work stresses, promoting the use of effective coping strategies and maintaining supportive social relationships.