Sources of Work Stress among Emergency Unit and Intensive Care Unit Nurses: Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: Nurses in emergency units and intensive care units (ICUs) have a primary purpose of providing holistic care to patients and their families. However, the dynamic environment in critical care caused by new illnesses and the ageing population presents nurses' stressors in these departments. Lack of proper adjustment to the changing emergency care environment causes job stress that compromises healthcare and patient wellbeing. Studies show that critical care nurses experience significantly higher burnout and fatigue levels than nurses in other departments. Recent research revealed that over 65 per cent of nurses working in critical care experienced burnout compared to 55 per cent of internists and 27.6 per cent of the general working population. Identifying sources of work stress in these departments is core to solving the issue and promoting quality and sustainable health care. Aim: The study's primary aim is to identify the sources of work stress among emergency unit and ICU nurses. Objectives: The main objectives of this study are: • To describe stress sources among the nurses in the emergency unit and the ICU. • To recognise solutions that can reduce stress among emergency and ICU nurses. Methods: The researcher conducted a literature review of qualitative and quantitative scholarly sources to obtain relevant data to answer the research question. While the sources used for the literature review had both limitations and strengths, they were valid enough to provide a generalised answer to the research question. Conclusion: Factors in the work environment including workload, fatigue, burnout, time management, absence of adequate resources, lack of support, and dealing with patients and their families were the primary sources of work stress. Positive coping strategies, such as education, training, and counselling programmes, were the most preferred work stress interventions.