Stress Control Strategies for Nurses

This paper proposes the importance of stress control strategies to reduce burnout in nurses, focusing on the emotional intelligence model and innovative mindfulness-based stress reduction program.

There is no question that nurses are under immense pressure on the job. With demands constantly coming from patients, doctors, and administrators, it's easy to understand how nurses can experience burnout. A study done by the American Nurses Association found that nearly half of all nurses experience some form of burnout.

The good news is that nurses can use stress control strategies to reduce burnout. One such strategy is emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware and understand emotions (both your own and others'), and to manage them in a productive way.

One study found that nurses who had high emotional intelligence were less likely to experience burnout. They also reported having better relationships with their patients and feeling more supported by their colleagues.

Another effective stress control strategy is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a program that teaches people how to be more aware of the present moment and to focus on their breath. Studies have found that MBSR can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help improve sleep quality and increase self-compassion.

If you're a nurse who is experiencing burnout, consider implementing some or all of these stress control strategies into your life. You may find that they make a world of difference.

Reference:

American Nurses Association. (2018). Losing the battle: The impact of workplace violence on nurses. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4d9b4d/globalassets/docs/ana/anafiles/losing-the-battle-workplace-violence-impact-on-nurses.pdf

Mueller, C., & D'Ambrosio, L. (2004). Emotional intelligence and transformational and transactional leadership: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(3), 535-545. doi:10.1037//0021-9010.89.3.535