STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG MIDDLE-LEVEL NURSE MANAGERS CARING FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore stress, coping strategies among middle-level nurse managers caring for Alzheimer's disease patients. Background: The conceptual framework of this research was articulated based on Lazarus stress theory. Middle-level nurse managers in healthcare facilities are challenged with issues such as stress, staff nurses productivity, turnover, and patient quality of care. They are challenged to empowering staff nurses to be committed to their healthcare facilities, deliver quality services, in order to prevent chronic stress and high turnover. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used to explore and describe the stress experienced and coping strategies used by middle-level nurse managers caring for Alzheimer?s disease patients. The population of this study consisted of middle-level nurse managers in healthcare facilities. A sample of 9 middle-level nurse managers employed in assisted living facilities in Oshkosh, Wisconsin participated in this study. A demographic questionnaire and an interview questionnaire were used to collect the data. Results: The results show that middle-level nurse managers caring for Alzheimer?s disease patients experience high levels of stress. This study revealed their perceptions about stressful situations, factors contributing to increase or decrease their stress, coping strategies they used, as well as their needs for support systems. Conclusion: Middle-level nurse managers experience stressful situations in their daily work environments. They use coping strategies that have implications for health care management. This study adds to the literature related to the challenges that middle-level nurse managers face in their work environment. It will help administrators develop strategies to retain qualified nurses and provide quality care for patients. Finally, the findings can help academic administrators make informed policy decisions when assessing work-place decisions policies.