Stress, coping and health conditions of nurses in a medical clinic of a university hospital - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i4.9690

Abstract

This is a transversal study with a quantitative approach developed in a Medical Clinic of a university hospital. It aims to identify the stress factors in the work of nurses, the coping strategies, and their health conditions. The study population was composed by ten nurses, independently of the position or function performed. On data collection, three instruments were used: a survey for the daily activities, coping strategies inventory, and an inventory on the General Health State. The activities related to personnel management represent the highest stress level, and the nursing assistance provided to the patient corresponds to the lower stress on the population. With regard to coping strategies, solving problems is the most used, being responsibilities acceptance the least used. Data concerning the general health state point that 60% of the nurses in MC present good health conditions; 40% with regular health conditions, prevailing symptoms such as irritability (90%), appetite change, headaches and the sensation of lack of self-esteem (70%). It is believed that these factors might mean possibilities of change and a better approach in life, minimizing stress.