Nurse occupational stress research. 2: Definition and conceptualization.

Abstract

This article commences with the view that appropriate and clear definitions and conceptualizations of nurse stress are central to meaningful nurse stress research and management. Stress definitions are examined using psychology and nursing literature. The conclusions drawn suggest that, sadly, too many reports on nurse stress fail to make clear the theoretical underpinning, working definitions and conceptualizations of the studies reported. Many studies, in defining stress, causation and stress management fail to acknowledge the inextricable links between nurses' (public) work and their private lives. The question of what nurse stress research rating scales test is also considered.