Differences in stress perceived by nurse managers

The purpose of this study was to: (a) identify the major perceived stressors for nurse managers in both specialty and general care units, (b) determine which of these two groups of nurse managers experienced a higher degree of perceived stress, and (c) determine which group of nurse managers reported a higher incidence of physiological and psychological symptoms of stress. A questionnaire listing potential stressors was distributed to nurse managers in eight acute care hospitals. Participants were asked to indicate stressfulness and frequency for each of the items listed. Both groups of nurse managers reported similar perceived stressors. The situation-related stressors were more stressful for both groups than were the person-related stressors. Nurse managers from general care units reported a higher degree of perceived stress than did nurse managers from specialty care units. The two groups were not significantly different regarding the incidence of physiological and psychological symptoms of stress.