Outcomes of occupational stressors on nurses: chronic fatigue syndrome--related symptoms

Considering the types and number of occupational stressors involved in caring for patients, nurses may represent a population at high risk for physical illnesses. A sample of 3400 nurses who belong to a statewide or a national nurses organization were randomly chosen for participation. Of this group, 202 reported 6 months or more of debilitating fatigue and completed a three-page questionnaire assessing symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and comorbid medical conditions. This group (N = 202) was mailed a follow-up questionnaire 1 year later that reassessed symptoms of CFS and occupational stressors. Many sampled nurses reported a high degree of occupationally related stress but did not report CFS symptoms; however, perceived exposure to the threat of an accident as a nurse and poor physical working conditions were significantly related to symptoms reported. These findings are consistent with previous research.