Stress and coping strategies of nurse managers in the NICU

Nursing managers in neonatal intensive care units must cope with numerous stresses that arise in the context of managing a complex medical unit. Ten nurse managers were interviewed using a structured interview to determine the frequency of interaction and the sources of stress that occur in working with physicians, hospital administration, nursing administration, and staff nurses. Physicians are a major source of stress but the issues vary depending on the role held by the nurse manager. The unwillingness of the staff nurse to appreciate the time involved in implementing any change is another major source of stress. Numerous coping strategies are being implemented to address identified sources of stresses. The intent of these strategies is to reduce stress by increasing the flow of task-relevant communication to all parties.