Exploring the sources of stress among operating theatre nurses in a Ghanaian teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: The nursing profession is heavily plagued with occupational stress. The stress nurses encounter in the clinical setting can result in physical, emotional, social and spiritual changes. In the operating theatre, nurses assist surgeons during surgery, observe the overall condition of patients and care for those at risk of developing a critical condition during surgery to prevent any complications from arising. An operating theatre work milieu is problematic in terms of patient safety and is closely associated with elevated stress. Aim: This study sought to explore events from outside and within the operating theatres of a teaching hospital in Ghana causing stress in the nurses. Methods: A sample of 12 operating theatre nurses was drawn from the Teaching Hospital using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide and the study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Analysis of data was carried out using thematic content analysis. Results: The study has shown that operating theatre nurses are faced with various stressors from time-to-time and the commonest and the most worrying are those related to their work. The major sources of stress such as work overload, staff shortage, and inadequate equipment and supplies to this group of professionals have been identified. Staff shortage, specifically operating theatre nurses has led to the nurses perceiving their workload as overwhelming. Conclusion: In the operating theatre, nurses assist surgeons during surgery, observe the overall condition of patients and care for those at risk of developing a critical condition during surgery to prevent any complications from arising. These put operating theatre nurses at risk of occupational stress. Therefore, there is the need to help create a more conducive environment for all operating theatre nurses to enhance their performances.