The purpose of this study was to assess stressors, response to stressors, and coping measures in ICU nurses. A descriptive study was used in the study. The sample consisted of 127 ICU nurses in the northern five municipal hospitals. The SPSS-PC was used to analyze the data. Findings of the study indicated as follows: 1. Lack of reward, shift rotation, and crisis atmosphere were the most perceived stressors in ICU nurses in this study. 2. Fatigue, being easily upset, and frustration were the three most often negative response to stressors in ICU nurses. 3. Watching TV/reading, discussing problems with co-workers, and problem solving were the three most frequently used adaptive coping measures. Considering changing jobs, working harder/ enjoy less, and caffeine (coffee, tea, and soft drinks) were the most commonly used maladaptive coping measures in this study. 4. The work-related stress was positively related to negative response and maladaptive copying measures. 5. There were statistically significant correlations among staff/patient ratio, hours of stress management, hours of attendance at a death and dying course and work-related stress. 6. The statistically significant negative relationship involved the response to stressors and the number of hours of stress management received. 7. There were statistically significant differences in response to stressors and negative coping measures among different type of ICU nurses.
The purpose of this study was to assess stressors, response to stressors, and coping measures in ICU nurses. A descriptive study was used in the study. The sample consisted of 127 ICU nurses in the northern five municipal hospitals. The SPSS-PC was used to analyze the data. Findings of the study indicated as follows: 1. Lack of reward, shift rotation, and crisis atmosphere were the most perceived stressors in ICU nurses in this study. 2. Fatigue, being easily upset, and frustration were the three most often negative response to stressors in ICU nurses. 3. Watching TV/reading, discussing problems with co-workers, and problem solving were the three most frequently used adaptive coping measures. Considering changing jobs, working harder/ enjoy less, and caffeine (coffee, tea, and soft drinks) were the most commonly used maladaptive coping measures in this study. 4. The work-related stress was positively related to negative response and maladaptive copying measures. 5. There were statistically significant correlations among staff/patient ratio, hours of stress management, hours of attendance at a death and dying course and work-related stress. 6. The statistically significant negative relationship involved the response to stressors and the number of hours of stress management received. 7. There were statistically significant differences in response to stressors and negative coping measures among different type of ICU nurses.