Research article summary (published 30 Oct 1991):

The head nurse: perceptions of stress and ways of coping.

Full Abstract

Head nurses occupy an important position in hospitals, but there have been few studies of the stress experienced by these first line managers. The purpose of this research was to investigate patterns and sources of workplace stress and how head nurses coped with it. Twenty-one head nurses from four teaching hospitals were interviewed. Major sources of stress were lack of resources including nursing staff, work load and powerlessness. Events were seen as stressful because the head nurse lacked control or did not feel competent. Length of time in position affected perceptions of stress. Coping with stress was generally through problem-focused strategies. The findings may reflect the impact of role changes on head nurses.

Author information

Author/s: Frisch, S R (SR); Dembeck, P (P); Shannon, V (V);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Canadian journal of nursing administration (Can J Nurs Adm), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: -1991 Nov-Dec; vol 4 (issue 4) : pp 6-7, 9-13

Dates: Created 1992/01/23; Completed 1992/01/23; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 1747383, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological Adult Attitude of Health Personnel Burnout, Professional - epidemiology; psychology Canada - epidemiology

Hospitals, Teaching Humans Middle Aged Nursing, Supervisory Questionnaires

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