Managing Stress Amidst Nursing Shortage : a Brochure on Coping Mechanisms for Nurses

Abstract

The shortage of nurses is an issue affecting many countries around the world, and Finland is not immune to it. The labour shortage in nursing field is associated with various contributing factors such as increased workload, longer hours, high turnover rates, lack of nursing education programs, and an ageing workforce. This has resulted in increased stress among nurses, and therefore nurses need to have effective ways to manage stress.

The aim of this thesis was to create a brochure for the nurses working in Ward 1 at Katriina Hospital, focusing on stress management through the effective use of coping mechanisms. Furthermore, it was meant to support nurses in finding better ways to cope and improve their overall well-being. The purpose of this thesis was to prioritize the well-being of nurses by encouraging the adoption of effective coping mechanisms.

The authors collected evidence-based materials from reliable sources and followed the LAB University of Applied Sciences’ thesis guidelines. The PDSA model was used to conduct this practice-based thesis. A meticulously designed questionnaire was implemented to support the development of the brochure.

The feedback gathered from the questionnaire helped to further improve the effectiveness of the brochure. The brochure was made available for the Ward 1 nurses of Katriina Hospital, which could help them to better understand and manage stress using effective coping mechanisms.