Recognition of Stress in Emergency Room Nurses

Abstract

Emergency room nurses work in an environment that is volatile and challenging due to the frequent exposures to critical incidences and stressful events. Given the frequency of exposure to these critical incidences and stressful events, this study was initiated to identify the reactionary responses to stress in emergency room nurses and to if the nurses could then be predisposed to posttraumatic stress disorder. The theoretical framework of Betty Neuman's Systems model of nursing was reflected throughout the investigation for the purpose of identifying the effects of stress on a person's line of defense. The use of the Depression Anxiety Stress Survey along with an open-ended question on the demographics page identifying critical incidences and stressful events provided the statistical information corroborating the significant findings. The benefits of the findings include strengthening the ability of emergency room nurses continued employment in the emergency room and decreasing the probability of suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.