Stressor frequency, tension, tiredness and coping: some measurement issues and a comparison across nursing groups

In nursing research a number of approaches have been adopted when measuring the relationship between stressor and stress. However, despite thorough questionnaire development, excess demand, that is the extent to which the situation actually taxes the resources of the nurse, is measured more by implications than by presence. By combining different facets of demand and by measuring them in conjunction with one another this research revealed the extent to which the demands of frequently occurring situations actually taxed the resources of the nurse; provided a procedure for more specifically investigating the relationship between stressor frequency and response and considered these findings in terms of different types of nurses (enrolled, staff, charge) and the coping strategies used. The results were discussed in terms of measurement, training, available resources, coping and interventions.