The Effect of Workload on Nurse Work Stress in the Inpatient Room of Haji Abdul Manan Simatupang Hospital in 2012

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 13 views

The Effect of Workload on Nurse Work Stress in the Inpatient Room of Haji Abdul Manan Simatupang Hospital in 2012

Introduction

Stress experienced by nurses is a common phenomenon in the healthcare industry, and it can be caused by various factors, including workload. Workload among nurses encompasses both physical and mental burdens, which can significantly impact their well-being and job performance. The Haji Abdul Manan Simatupang Kisaran Regional Hospital, like many other healthcare institutions, faces a high volume of outpatient and inpatient visits, resulting in nurses handling numerous patients with varying complexities. This situation contributes to the high workload they face, which can lead to increased stress levels.

Background

The healthcare industry is known for its high-stress environment, and nurses are often at the forefront of this stress. The demands of their job, including long working hours, heavy patient loads, and the need to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, can take a toll on their mental and physical health. In addition, the emotional demands of caring for patients and their families can also contribute to nurse stress. The impact of workload on nurse stress is a significant concern, as it can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover rates, and compromised patient care.

Methodology

This study aimed to analyze the effect of workload on nurse work stress in the inpatient room of the Haji Abdul Manan Simatupang Hospital in 2012. A total of 31 nurses who worked in internal medicine, surgery, lungs, and children's wards were included in the study. The data analysis methods used were Chi Square and logistics regression. To ensure the accuracy of the results, a validity and reliability test was carried out, with a Cronbach Alpha of 0.949 in the sample of nurses taken at the Grand Medistra Lubuk Pakam Hospital.

Results

The results of the study showed that 54.8% of nurses experienced severe physical workload, while 35.5% experienced mild workload. For mental workload, as many as 32.3% of nurses felt heavy loads, and 38.7% felt the burden was light. In terms of work stress, 54.8% of nurses experienced severe work stress, while the other 45.2% experienced stressful light work. Further analysis revealed that physical workload was not related to work stress (p = 0.116), while the mental workload had a significant relationship with work stress (p = 0.025). From the results of the logistics regression test, it can be concluded that the mental workload affects the work stress of the nurse.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that mental workload has a significant impact on nurse work stress. This finding is consistent with previous studies that have shown that mental workload is a major contributor to nurse stress. The physical workload, on the other hand, was not found to be related to work stress. This may be due to the fact that physical workload is often seen as a necessary part of the job, whereas mental workload is often perceived as a burden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found a significant relationship between mental workload and nurse work stress at the Haji Abdul Manan Simatupang Hospital Kisaran. To reduce work stress experienced by nurses, it is essential for hospital management to provide clear job descriptions, improve employee education to be in accordance with standards, and provide relevant training, such as nursing care management, basic wound care, fluid therapy, and other training needed by nurses. By taking these steps, it is expected that the workload of nurses can be better managed, so as to reduce the level of stress of their work and improve the quality of services provided to patients.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Clear Job Descriptions: Hospital management should provide clear job descriptions to nurses, outlining their responsibilities and expectations. This will help to reduce confusion and uncertainty, which can contribute to mental workload.
Employee Education: Hospital management should improve employee education to be in accordance with standards. This will help to ensure that nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively.
Relevant Training: Hospital management should provide relevant training to nurses, such as nursing care management, basic wound care, fluid therapy, and other training needed by nurses. This will help to reduce mental workload and improve job performance.
Workload Management: Hospital management should implement strategies to manage workload, such as staffing ratios, workload allocation, and workload monitoring. This will help to reduce physical and mental workload and improve job satisfaction.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on nurse work stress and did not explore other factors that may contribute to stress, such as work-life balance and personal relationships. Finally, the study was conducted in a single hospital setting, which may not be representative of other healthcare institutions.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the impact of workload on nurse work stress in other healthcare settings. Additionally, research should focus on developing and implementing effective strategies to manage workload and reduce nurse stress. Finally, research should explore the impact of workload on patient outcomes and quality of care.

References

American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.
Institute of Medicine. (2004). Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment of Nurses.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2011). Workplace Violence Prevention for Healthcare and Social Service Workers.
World Health Organization. (2013). Framework for Action on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Workload on Nurse Work Stress

Q: What is nurse work stress?

A: Nurse work stress refers to the emotional and physical strain experienced by nurses in their work environment. It can be caused by various factors, including workload, long working hours, heavy patient loads, and the need to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

Q: What is the impact of workload on nurse work stress?

A: The results of this study suggest that mental workload has a significant impact on nurse work stress. Physical workload, on the other hand, was not found to be related to work stress.

Q: What are the consequences of nurse work stress?

A: Nurse work stress can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover rates, and compromised patient care. It can also affect nurses' physical and mental health, leading to burnout and decreased productivity.

Q: What are some strategies to manage workload and reduce nurse work stress?

A: Some strategies to manage workload and reduce nurse work stress include:

Providing clear job descriptions and expectations
Improving employee education and training
Implementing workload management strategies, such as staffing ratios and workload allocation
Encouraging work-life balance and self-care
Providing support and resources for nurses to manage stress and burnout

Q: How can hospital management support nurses in managing workload and reducing work stress?

A: Hospital management can support nurses in managing workload and reducing work stress by:

Providing resources and support for nurse education and training
Implementing workload management strategies and staffing ratios
Encouraging open communication and feedback from nurses
Providing opportunities for nurses to participate in decision-making and leadership roles
Recognizing and rewarding nurses for their contributions and hard work

Q: What are some best practices for reducing nurse work stress?

A: Some best practices for reducing nurse work stress include:

Implementing flexible scheduling and work arrangements
Providing opportunities for nurses to take breaks and practice self-care
Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among nurses
Providing resources and support for nurses to manage stress and burnout
Recognizing and rewarding nurses for their contributions and hard work

Q: How can nurses prioritize their own well-being and reduce work stress?

A: Nurses can prioritize their own well-being and reduce work stress by:

Practicing self-care and taking breaks
Setting boundaries and prioritizing their own needs
Seeking support from colleagues and mentors
Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction
Prioritizing their own physical and mental health

Q: What are some resources available to support nurses in managing workload and reducing work stress?

A: Some resources available to support nurses in managing workload and reducing work stress include:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines for workplace violence prevention
American Nurses Association (ANA) resources for nurse well-being and stress management
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for interprofessional education and collaborative practice
Local and national organizations that provide support and resources for nurses, such as the National Nurses United (NNU) and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF)

Q: How can nurses and hospital management work together to reduce nurse work stress?

A: Nurses and hospital management can work together to reduce nurse work stress by:

Engaging in open and honest communication about workload and stress
Collaborating on workload management strategies and staffing ratios
Providing resources and support for nurse education and training
Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among nurses
Recognizing and rewarding nurses for their contributions and hard work