Perceived stress among nursing and administration staff related to accreditation.

BACKGROUND

Nurses in hospital administration and management positions may experience workplace stress, which can have important consequences on the health and well-being.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of perceived stress on nursing hospital management and administrative employees of a large health care organization before and after a review by The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

METHODS

A total of 100 hospital employees were randomly selected to complete questionnaires assessing their perception of stress and its effect on their well-being before and after the site review. They were also asked to rate their subjective experience of sleep, anxiety, depression, and job satisfaction.

RESULTS

Perceived stress was significantly related to employees' increased health concerns, symptoms of depression and anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and job satisfaction (p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital accreditation reviews may increase perceived stress and appears to be related to emotional and physical well-being.

APPLICATION

The implications include evidence there is a need for organizations to initiate corrective action to help nurses in administrative roles to cope with increased levels of job strain, minimize potential psychological and physiological consequences, and preserve job satisfaction.