Nevada RNFormation – August 2017

Page 14 • Nevada RNformation August, September, October 2017
The Stress Burden: Strategies for Management
Denise S. Rowe, MSN, APRN, FNP, BC
Stress is the body’s natural psychological, physical and social
response to the changes and demands of everyday life. In 2011,
forty four percent of Americans said their stress level had increased
over the past 5 years. 1 Common causes of stress include: money,
job and job security, relationships and family responsibilities, and
health problems.
Employee stress and burnout cost approximately $250 to $300
billion annually. 2 One in five nurses leaves a job because of stress
and burnout. 3 The cost for each nurse turnover ranges from $62,100
to $67,000). For every 15 nurse positions left vacant from turnovers,
it can cost up to an additional $1million to an organization. 4
Stress can be either acute or chronic. While acute stress is normal
and helpful in preparing the body to react quickly in response to a
challenge or threat, chronic stress of ongoing compounded acute
stressors for long periods of time, can be problematic.
Prolonged stress creates tension, nervousness and leaves the
body’s stress response system turned on long term. This disrupts
normal body processes and can result in health problems if not
corrected. Common symptoms of stress include: headaches, fatigue,
digestive problems, irritability, chest pain, anxiety, anger, sleep
problems, overeating, depression, decreased sex drive, and drug or
alcohol abuse.
Left unchecked, chronic stress can lead to significant health
problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity,
diabetes, and memory loss.
Stress management begins with identifying the sources and
triggers of stress and developing strategies to manage them.
Effective strategies include the following:
• Set limits for yourself. Be assertive. Say no to requests that
create excessive stress
• Remember that events will occur that you cannot control.
Develop healthy coping skills
• Make time for hobbies and other interests
• Seek social support from those you enjoy
• Eat a healthy well balanced diet
• Get adequate rest and sleep to restore the body and mind
• Start an exercise routine. Almost any kind of exercise,
such as aerobic or weight lifting can relieve stress. Regular
exercise increases energy, self-confidence and elevates
mood. Set specific goals such as committing to walk
time three times a week. Work out with a friend to stay
committed. Change the workout routine to stay motivated,
such as alternating between walking, yoga or Pilates. Always
remember to consult a healthcare provider before starting
a new fitness program, especially if there are pre-existing
medical conditions
• Relaxation involves different techniques that decrease the
effect of stress on the body. Meditation is a relaxation
technique between the mind and body which promotes a
sense of calm, peace and balance. It focuses on increasing
self-awareness and reducing negative emotions. Meditation
is often conducted in quiet settings, focusing the mind
away from distractions using relaxed breathing techniques.
Common relaxation techniques include: hypnosis, massage,
and meditation (guided imagery, mantra, Qi-gong, Tai Chi
and Yoga)
Lastly, keep a positive attitude. Recognize that stress is a normal
occurrence in life. How you manage stressors will determine if you
successfully triumph over them or collapse from the pressures they
create.
References
1. American Psychological Association. The impact of stress. Available
at: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2011/impact.aspx.
Accessibility verified March 4,2012
2. Jones, D., Tanigawa, T., & Weisse, S. (2003). Stress management
and workplace disability in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Journal of
Occupational Health, 45, 1-7.
3. Aiken, L.H., Clarke, S.P., Sloan, D.M., Sochalski, J., & Silber, J. (2002).
Hospital nurse staffing and patient mortality, nurse burnout, and job
dissatisfaction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 288(16),
1987-1993.
4. Jones, C. (2005). The cost of nurse turnover: Applications of the
nursing turnover cost methodology. Journal of Nursing Administration,
35(1), 41-49.
5. MayoClinic. Stress management. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.
com/health/stress-management/MY00435. Accesibility verified March
4, 2012
6. WebMD. Stress management health center. Available at: http://www.
webmd.com/balance/stress-management/default.htm. Accessibility
verified March 4,2012