Nurses' observable work stress, mental stress and job happiness in Ghanaian military and civilian teaching hospital work environments: a comparative analysis

Purpose This study seeks to identify and compare factors associated with nurses' work stress, mental stress and job happiness in civilian versus military teaching hospitals in Ghana. Workplace stress is the negative physical and emotional responses that arise when employees face mismatches between job demands and their level of control over meeting those demands. Mental stress stems from individuals' perceptions of events in their internal/external environment, leading to feelings of distress and anxiety. Job happiness is the satisfaction and enjoyment from work. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 200 nurses using a structured questionnaire and analyzed via factor analysis. Findings Nurses in both settings reported work stress stemming from job pace and mental demands. Key differences emerged: military nurses appeared more affected by expectations of success and task-related frustration, while civilian nurses' satisfaction appeared to be more influenced by the work climate. For military nurses, the nature of the job itself appears to strongly relate to satisfaction. Research limitations/implications The study provides insight into how military hospital nurses face higher stress due to strict command structures, while civilian hospital nurses encounter more physical demands due to handling a higher volume of patients. It also highlights how nurses' job satisfaction is affected by their relationships with supervisors and co-workers, as well as opportunities for their advancement, both in military and civil hospital settings. Practical implications The findings reveal that military nurses face stress from rigid command structures, whereas civilian nurses observe physical strain from higher patient loads. For both groups, relationships with supervisors and peers, alongside career advancement opportunities, appeared crucial for job satisfaction. Hospital leadership can use these insights to tailor supportive interventions, address specific stressors and foster work environments where nurses can thrive in high-pressure acute care settings. Originality/value The research provides novel insights into the distinct and shared factors affecting the well-being of nurses in Ghana's military and civilian teaching hospitals.