Introduction
- “Stress is a physical and emotional reaction that people experience as they encounter challenges in life” (NIH 2022)
The Effect of Workplace Stress
- Working in a Long–term care facility is generally stressful.
- Stress has detrimental outcomes and consequences on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of a person’s health condition (Akpor et al., 2023).
- Effects of stress include inability to concentrate, trouble thinking clearly, headaches, and insomnia.
- Other symptoms may be emotional and include moodiness, agitation, and irritability.
- Registered nurses were nearly twice as likely to report high levels of stress of conscience compared to other care providers in long-term care (Munkeby et al., 2023).
- Work-related stress is also associated with burnout, job satisfaction, Intention to quit, and nurse retention. (Khamisa, et al., 2015).
- Poor resident care outcomes result in dissatisfaction and grievances.
Causes of Workplace Stress
- Heavy workload
- Time constraints
- Lack of supports
- Lack of communication
- Staffing shortage
- Nurse-Resident Interactions (Behaviors)
- Family Interactions
- Hostile workplace
- Poor leadership and bad management
- Environmental factors- noise
How May You Contribute to Stress at Work?
- Ineffective time management
- Poor communication
- Documentation
- Shift reporting
- Inadequate teamwork and collaboration
- Lack of training and continuing education
- Lack of social engagement
Five Core Strategies to Ease Stress at the Workplace
- Time management
- Communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Personal growth and development
- Social Engagement
