Authors: Kashani, Mariam¹; Eliasson, Arn¹; Chrosniak, Linda²; Vernalis, Marina¹

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 175, Number 2, February 2010 , pp. 96-100(5)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

ABSTRACT

The study investigates stress levels and related behaviors of nurses in a military medical center during wartime. In 2007, nurses completed a questionnaire survey with objective validation of data in a subsample using actigraphy over 12 weeks. Of 270 nurses, 255 (94%) returned surveys. A total of 81% reported moderately high or high stress with sources listed as work (66%) and fatigue (39%). Many reported coming to work despite feeling ill and/or stressed (13.6 days/3 months). In contrast, morale was high or moderately high in 71%. Nurses reported an average of 5.5 hours of sleep/night, 8.8 h/wk taken for self, and 3.8 h/wk for exercise. Actigraphy data showed an average of 6.0 hours of sleep/night. These findings highlight a mismatch between stress levels and coping perceptions indicating an inability to properly care for self. To manage the effects of chronic stress, nurse leaders should implement systems targeting healthy life balance.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Integrative Cardiac Health Project, 6900 Georgia Avenue, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001. 2: Psychology Department, George Mason University, Arlington, VA 22201.

Publication date: 2010-02-01

More about this publication?

• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
  
  Military Medicine's 5-year Impact Factor: 1.061
  
  
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