Effects of Job Stress on Work Behaviour amongst Nurses in Selected Public and Private Hospitals at Pune

Nursing has been reported as a stressful speciality. Nursing staff working at the bottom of the hierarchy in hospitals are the ones who are more stressed out. The current nursing shortage and high turnover is of great concern because of its impact upon the efficiency and effectiveness of any health-care delivery system. Further, recruitment and retention of nurses are persistent problems associated with job stress. The researcher intends to understand the nurses' experiences and perceptions of job-related stress and its effect on their work behaviour. It aimed at addressing the issue of how stress at work can be effectively managed, reduced, or prevented by the government and hospital management boards in order to enhance the health of their nurses, as well as improving their work behaviour.

METHODS: This paper presents the result of a pilot study in selected couple of public and private hospitals hospitals at Pune. Data was collected using pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire with nurses including primary care professionals. An extensive literature search was also performed aiming to identify and review research studies that investigate variables which influence job stress and work behaviour of nurses working in health settings.

RESULTS: The study established a fact that job stress has significant negative effect on work behaviour of the nurses.

CONCLUSION: It is essential to reorganize work environment and remove as many as possible stressors, along with training of staff in ways with which they can manage job stress and achieve better adjustment in order to promote employees' health and safety.