Connection between nurse managers’ stress from workload and overall job stress, job satisfaction and practice environment in central hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Nurse managers' workload is considered overwhelming and the resources and support insufficient. Stress from workload has adverse psychological and physical effects and impedes strategic, visible and active leadership. This study aimed to examine nurse managers' stress from workload and its associations to overall job stress, job satisfaction and practice environment. A survey comprising the Nursing Context Index was administered to 490 nurse managers in Finnish central hospitals. The study was reported using the STROBE statement. The response rate was 42.7% (n=209). A statistical analysis revealed that almost every fifth nurse manager experienced high stress from workload with connection to higher job stress overall, higher intent to leave the organization, lower job satisfaction overall, personally and professionally, as well as a more negative perception of the practice environment. Nurse managers' jobs require adequate resources, clear division of work and better empowering structures.