The study of work-related stress in Chinese nurses working in abroad

Abstract

Objective To assess the level of work-related stress,and its relationship with job satisfaction (JS) and social support (SS) in Chinese nurses working in abroad. Methods Using questionnaire method to investigate 111 Chinese nurses working in abroad and compare the results with those of 124 foreign nurses. Results The stress assessment score(SAS) of Chinese nurses was significantly higher than that of foreign nurses(P<0.05).All the stressors(except for work load) of Chinese nurses worked in abroad were significantly correlated with SAS(all P<0.01).There were significant negative correlations between JS or SS and SAS(r=-0.472 and r=-0.232 respectively,P<0.05).There were significantly positive correlation between SS and JS(r=0.212,P<0.05). Conclusion The results support the conclusion that nursing by its nature was a stressful occupation.The stress level of Chinese nurses working in abroad was significantly higher than that of foreign nurses.All the stressors contribute to the work-related stress and job dissatisfaction.SS plays an important role in the stressor-stress relationship.