The Relationship between Occupational Stressors and Performance amongst Nurses Working in Pediatric and Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Nursing has long been considered one of the most stressful professions. Stress at the workplace may have negative consequences on nursing performance. Consequences of stress on nursing performance may become more crucial in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units where the safety of patient and quality of pediatric care are important outcomes of nursing care. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between occupational stressors amongst nurses working in pediatric care units and their performance. Design: In this descriptive study, a total of 200 nurses working in the pediatric departments from three major hospitals in Khartoum completed the study. Two tools were used to collect data including nursing stress scale and the modified Schwirn Six Dimensions Scale for Nursing Performance. Student t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, most of the nurses suffered from job stressors level above average. The lack of aids, resources and atmosphere in the intensive care units were rated as “high” job stressors amongst nurses. The hospital characteristics were rated “low” job stressors. Among all stressors, the lack of directors’ support was negatively correlated with the nurses' performance (P= 0.003, r= 0.21). Conclusion: Policy makers should consider development of specific programs targeting stress in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units to enhance nursing performance in pediatric units.