The work of auxiliary nurses in Mexico: stressors, satisfiers and coping strategies

Recruitment and retention of nursing personnel is a major problem in many parts of the world, particularly developing countries. Strategies for promoting job satisfaction can help reduce the costs of high turnover and increase the quality of patient care. As part of a larger international study on women's health, a convenience sample of 59 Mexican nursing assistants and technical nurses, categorized as auxiliary nurses, were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit their perceived work-related stresses and satisfactions, as well as the coping strategies they utilized to diminish work-associated stress. Major satisfiers included self-fulfillment, providing service and working as a member of a team. Frequent stressors were interpersonal relations, "angustia" (anguish), work overload and the work environment. These auxiliary nursing personnel utilized problem-solving techniques, recreational activities, talking to family and friends and actively trying to relax themselves in order to cope with their work-related stress.