|
Course Sample:
MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
Laura Flynn & Adrianne Avillion
Adrianne E. Avillion, D.Ed., R.N. owns and operates a consulting business specializing in freelance medical writing and editing, continuing education and staff development for health care professionals, and work redesign. She holds a master's degree in nursing and a doctorate in adult education from Penn State University. Dr. Avillion has over 20 years experience in the continuing education and medical writing fields.
Laura Flynn, R.N., B.N., M.B.A., has worked extensively with older clients in the community and in long-term care. She works part-time as a nursing instructor at the university level. She also owns and operates JEL Health Education Ltd., a company involved in the development and sale of health inservice material.
INTRODUCTION
This module discusses work-related stress in a healthcare environment, what it is, what causes it, and how to deal with it. Stress is "the emotional, behavioral, or physical response to an event or situation" (Sorrentino, 2004, p.80). The situation or event that causes stress is called the "stressor".
Work-related stress is harmful stress caused by the demands of a job. In 2001, respondents to a Canadian mental health survey identified work as the main source of serious stress in their lives (COMPAS, 2001). Stress at work has been linked to (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 1999):
- Increased sick time
- Increased lateness
- Increased staff turnover
Work-related stress is a serious problem that costs the economy billions of dollars each year.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT?
The worst thing in your life may contain seeds of the best. When you see crises as an opportunity, your life becomes not easy but more satisfying.
Not all stress is bad. A certain amount of stress at work can help you to think more clearly and to be more productive. Without any stress at all, we would become bored and depressed. Chronic stress, however, can make you ill. It can make existing health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease, worse. It can lead to injuries at work.
KEY TERMS
|
