Job stressors in critical care nurses

N ursing is associated with a high degree of stress d ue to its nature. Job stress is a challenge for the nursing profession, and its adverse effects on physical and mental health nurses, create serious problems for the health care system. This study aimed to determine the job stressors in nurses working in critical care units. In this descriptive – analytical study, 60 nurses working in critical care units of Urmia therapeutic –educational centers (Emam Khomeini and Shahid Motahhari) were participated in the study in May 2013. Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) is used as data gathering tool. ENSS is an expanded and updated version of the classic Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) developed by Toft-Gray &Anderson. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16 software. T he highest mean score on job stressor factors related to death and dying (135/70±26/55), and the lowest mean score (100/65±29/57) related to the problems with colleagues. Mann-Whitney test showed significant differences on stress factors of death and dying, and problems with supervisor between two therapeutic-educational centers of Emam Khomeini and Shahid Motahari (p<0/05). 58/35 of the nurses in this study reported high level stress es. Because of high level stress in nursing, determining its factors and resources is important.