Using a cognitive framework with nurses to manage stress
Anne M Williams1,2,3,4,5, Nigel J Williams6
1Discipline of Nursing, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|September 13, 2022
Summary
Cancer nurses can manage daily stress using a new cognitive framework and mnemonic (www.pst) to promote positive coping strategies and enhance personal control. This evidence-based tool aims to improve well-being in this high-stress profession.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Health Education
Background:
- Nursing is a high-stress occupation, leading to significant challenges for nurses' daily coping.
- Effective stress management is crucial for nurses' well-being and job retention.
- Existing academic literature on coping strategies can be complex and inaccessible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the theoretical basis of a cognitive framework for stress management.
- To introduce a user-friendly mnemonic (www.pst) for recalling positive coping strategies.
- To enhance nurses' perception of personal control as a key element in stress management.
Main Methods:
- Development of a cognitive framework for stress management.
- Integration of a mnemonic (www.pst) to aid strategy recall.
- Focus on positive coping strategies within a well-being educational program for cancer nurses.
Main Results:
- The cognitive framework provides a structured approach to stress management.
- The mnemonic (www.pst) facilitates the application of positive coping strategies.
- The framework aims to increase nurses' sense of personal control over stressors.
Conclusions:
- The developed cognitive framework is an evidence-based, user-friendly tool for stress management.
- This tool can be effectively utilized by counselors, educators, and researchers in various settings.
- Implementing this framework can support cancer nurses in managing occupational stress and improving well-being.
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