Challenges and Difficulties at Work and Work-Related Stress Among Newly Qualified Nurses

Abstract

The nursing profession involves emotional strain, time pressure, responsibility and the need to recognise teamwork standards in specific conditions. These stress-inducing factors pose a particular challenge for young employees. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of difficulties and the level of stress at work among nurses entering the profession. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the form of an MSForms survey among 89 nurses using the Stress Perception Questionnaire and an original survey questionnaire. The results of the study were analysed using Excel and SPSS software. The result was considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: In the area of exposure to stressors, 67.42% of respondents felt overworked at least once a week, and for 79.78%, a lack of resources and support made it difficult to perform their tasks. 56.18% of nurses worked overtime. Sixty-four point zero four per cent of all respondents indicated that their remuneration was inadequate for their workload, while 83.15% of respondents confirmed their satisfaction with the support of their superiors and colleagues. The respondents experienced a moderate level of general stress (KPS_WO: M = 59.52), with slightly elevated emotional tension (KPS_NE: M = 22.40). The frequency of excessive workload correlated significantly with the intensity of stress, with no significance for the control scale. Conclusions: Organisational and relational stressors in the work environment are related to the stress experienced by respondents starting their nursing careers. The occurrence of difficulties in the workplace points to the need for interventions that build a safe working environment and reduce the risk of stress escalation.