Decreasing stress among nurse managers: a long-term solution

A self-paced learning module was developed and tested to determine whether knowledge relative to stress and hardiness could be increased among nurse managers.

The module was administered to 31 nurse managers in rural hospitals in east Texas.

Using pretest and posttest module questionnaires and the Hardiness Scale, changes in mean scores were significant at the .001 level for both instruments. These findings indicate the self-paced learning module had a significant effect on participants' understanding of stress and coping, with a subsequent increase in hardiness levels.

Use of an educational module can be effective in increasing knowledge of stress and hardiness, and increasing hardiness levels. Through increased hardiness among managers and staff, organizations can expect higher levels of commitment, more involvement of staff in workplace issues, and greater receptivity to changes in the work environment.