Occupational Stress among Psychiatric Nurses: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Occupational stress among psychiatric nurses is a well-documented issue in the literature. This research can be regarded as the first recent investigation that offers a comprehensive review of contemporary literature examining occupational stress among psychiatric nurses. Purpose: This study aims to analyze previous research on occupational stress among psychiatric nurses. Methods: Multiple electronic databases were selected as follows: PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL. Proquest, Scopus, and Web of Science. The researchers used different combinations of keywords that mainly incorporate: “occupational stress, psychiatric nurses, and work environment". The studies were included if they were published between 2017 and 2023, and reported in English. This review included a total of twenty-five studies. Results: This review indicated that previous studies have identified various degrees and factors of stress that impact psychiatric nurses. These nurses utilized several coping methods to handle occupational stress, such as being confident in their capabilities and self-assurance. The previous literature also investigated the effects of several stress reduction interventions, such as educational interventions, mindfulness therapy, stress management training programs, and self-care activities. Conclusion: This literature review highlights the significant levels and sources of stress experienced by psychiatric nursing groups. By analyzing research published in different databases about occupational stress, this review provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary findings on the topic. Implications for Nursing: Identification of various levels and sources of stress highlights the need for targeted interventions tailored to the unique stressors experienced by psychiatric nurses.