Survey and analysis on job stress, coping style and general self-efficacy of emergency nurses

Abstract

Objective To understand the job stressors, coping style and general self-efficacy of emergency nurses and relationship of them. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 83 emergency nurses were conducted through the Chinese Nurses' Job Stress Sources Scale, Trait Coping Style Questionnaire, General Self-efficacy Scale. Results Job stress among nurses in emergency department was caused by heavy workloads and time distribution (2.88±0.82), issue of patient care (2.78±0.59). The score of emergency nurses' coping propensity was 3.77, indicating more use of positive coping. Negative coping scored higher than the norm (26.99±4.76 vs.21.25±7.41), the difference was significant (t=10.290, P <0.01). The average score of general self-efficacy was 2.40±0.48, lower than the norm (2.86±0.52), the difference was significant (t=-8.07, P<0.01). Active coping style scores were negatively correlated with job stress (r = -0.294, P < 0.05), negative coping style scores were positively correlated with job stress (r = 0.239, P <0.05). General self-efficacy and positive coping scores were positively correlated (r = 0.270, P< 0.05). Conclusions The job stress among emergency nurses was at high level, self-efficacy was not high, but they still have a positive behavior patterns. Nurse managers should take advantage of the positive psychological characteristics of nurses and give reasonable support and guidance, in order to enhance the confidence of nurses and promote self-efficacy, optimize coping, improve the physical and mental health in emergency nurses. Key words: Nurses; Emergency medical services; Job stressor; Coping style; Self-efficacy