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Nurses in abortion care: identifying and managing stress
Allyson Lipp1, Anne Fothergill
1Faculty of Health, Sport and Medicine, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, UK.
Contemporary Nurse
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Medical abortions may increase stress for nurses due to emotional labor. This study examines stressors, coping strategies, and interventions for nurses in abortion care, offering practice recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Mental Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- The psychological impact of abortion on patients is known, but less is understood about its effects on nurses.
- Medical abortions are increasing in the UK, potentially altering the emotional demands on healthcare providers.
- Direct involvement in abortion procedures can heighten emotional labor for nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the potential increase in stress experienced by nurses providing medical abortion care.
- To explore the relationship between emotional labor and stress in abortion care nursing.
- To identify effective stress management strategies for nurses in this field.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a stress model framework (stressors, moderators, stress outcomes).
- Applied research from abortion care and mental health nursing.
- Reviewed coping mechanisms, prevention, and intervention strategies.
Main Results:
- Emotional labor in abortion care can significantly increase nurse stress levels.
- Stress, burnout, and effective coping are critical issues for nurses in abortion care.
- Medical abortions present unique challenges impacting nurse well-being.
Conclusions:
- Nurses in abortion care face significant psychological demands, particularly with medical abortions.
- Implementing targeted stress management strategies is crucial for supporting nurses.
- Recommendations are provided for practice and management to mitigate stress and prevent burnout.
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