Perceived stress and affecting factors related to COVID-19 pandemic of emergency nurses in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: To examine the perceived stress and affecting factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic of emergency nurses at the first stage of the pandemic.

Background: During pandemic process, nurses reported to experience stress due to a very high risk of being infected and hard work.

Method: A descriptive study. The sample of the study consisted of 169 emergency nurses. To collect data, a personal information form was used together with the Perceived Stress Scale.

Results: The factors that significantly affect the perceived stress score of emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic included applying respiratory isolation, changing the way of life, not being able to access protective equipment, insufficient nurses in the unit and thinking that COVID-19 will be transmitted to oneself.

Conclusion: Nearly half of the emergency nurses perceived stress above average during pandemic, and their working conditions affected this situation.

Implications for nursing management: Meeting physiological needs and applying psychological guidance and counselling interventions in the stress management of emergency nurses may contribute to the reduction of their stress levels. Effective infection control, reducing workload, increasing the number of nurses and strengthening the coping mechanisms can minimize the perceived stress level of emergency nurses.

Keywords: emergency nurses; health workers; pandemic; stress.