The structure of work-related stress and coping among oncology nurses in high-stress medical settings: A transactional analysis.

Abstract

A transactional approach was used to examine stress and coping among 59 oncology nurses. Nine work stress clusters were identified: Physician-Related Stress, Organizational Factors, Observing Suffering, Ethical Concerns, Death and Dying, Carryover Stress, Negative Self-Thoughts, Inadequate Resources, and Coworker Stress, with the first 3 rated as most frequent and most intense. Ten coping clusters were also identified: Coworker Support, Positive Reappraisal, Developing a Growth Perspective, Positive Involvement in Treatment, Affective Regulation, Balancing Work Stress, Negative Coping, Apathy, Withdrawal, and Catharsis, with the first 3 rated as most frequently used and most effective. The relationships among the clusters, as well as the theoretical and clinical implications of these results, were discussed.