Stress in midwifery: a comparison of midwives and nurses using the Work Environment Scale

Previous research into midwifery has identified a number of potential sources of stress without attempting to understand the variables that might contribute to it. The study sample was drawn from a population of registered nurses and midwives and compares the work environment of 29 midwives with 180 nurses, using the Work Environment Scale Questionnaire. Significant differences were found between midwives and nurses for involvement, supervisor support, autonomy, work pressure and clarity of roles. These results have the potential for forming the basis of future research.