Experiences of stress in accident and emergency nurses

Just what is it about being a nurse in A & E that is stressful? How are A & E nurses affected by occupational stress and what do they think should be done to reduce it? This study sets out to provide some preliminary answers to these questions. Factors relating to the physical working environment and lack of staff were the most frequently reported hassles and stressors. Saving lives and helping patients get better was reported as the greatest source of satisfaction. Nurses suggested a variety of ways in which occupational stress could be reduced, including employing more staff, providing a 'time out' room and debriefing after traumatic events. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.