Manal Zeinhom Ahmed Higazee
Menoufia University, Egypt
Title: Implications of time management educational program on acute care nurses' occupational stress
Biography
Biography: Manal Zeinhom Ahmed Higazee
Abstract
Introduction & Objective: Effective occupational stress management approaches such as self-regulation, problem solving capabilities, take responsibilities and time management are essential to develop healthy work environment and decrease stress among nurses. The objective of the study is to investigate impact of time management educational intervention on reducing occupational stress level among acute care nurses.
Method: Quasi-experimental one group pre-posttest design was used. Convenient samples of 41 nurses were recruited from acute care units in one of the Governmental University's Hospital of the Egyptian Delta. The Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) was implemented to assess nurses' stress level. The following adopted scoring system to calculate the stress level among study sample: mild stress level (0-36), moderate (37-72), severe (73-108) and severe stress level (109-144).
Results: Nurses had very severe (123.5) levels of stress, higher mean score of stress level was for younger and less experienced nurses. Inadequate emotional preparation, workload, and uncertainty about treatment were the predictors of stress among nurses. A negative correlation between use of time management strategies and reduction of acute care nurses' level of stress was found (53.6, 59.8) respectively.
Conclusion: Time management self-learning modules helped in decreasing stress level among nurses from very sever to moderate level. Roles explanation might decrease stress resulting from dealing with physicians. Specific orientation programs for novice nurses might decrease uncertainty regarding treatments and provide adequate emotional preparation. Utilization of proper staffing, scheduling and methods of organizing patients' care by nurse managers create healthy work environment and reduce workload.