Authors:
- Ivan Gračan – Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, OHBP, Rijeka, Croatia
- Kata Ivanišević – Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Introduction
Emergency nurses are exposed to various hazards and stressful situations daily; they witness critically ill patients, trauma, and death; experience conflicts with patients, accompanying persons, and other healthcare professionals; face staff and resource shortages, overtime, and other factors that lead to increased stress levels.
Research Goal
The aim of the study was to investigate the level of perceived occupational stress among emergency staff at Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre and the influence of length of service and type of employment on perceived stress.
Respondents and Methods
The survey was conducted in June 2023 on a recall sample of 50 respondents, employees of the Emergency Department of the Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka. A validated “Questionnaire on Stressors in the Workplace of Hospital Healthcare Professionals” was used.
Results
A total of 50 people participated in the survey (60% female). The largest number of respondents were between 20 and 29 years old. The most common profession among respondents was nurse/technician (76%). It was shown that emergency room employees are exposed to high levels of stress, but only in factors related to work organization and finances. Employees with more than 5 years of work experience have higher stress levels than employees with less than 5 years, while profession had no influence on perceived stress level.
Conclusion
The most important factor leading to occupational stress among the staff of the Emergency Department of the Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, especially among nurses/technicians, is “work organization and financial issues.”
Keywords:
emergency department, nurse, stress