Occupational health hazards of hospital staff nurses. Part I: Overview and psychosocial stressors.

1. In the health care environment, occupational stressors may be physical, chemical, biological, or psychosocial. 2. Psychosocial stressors include physical and mental overload, job insecurity, role ambiguity, a client population with anxiety or fear, and poorly designed work schedules. 3. Stress can be an occupational hazard because it arises from the environment, and may lead to accidents or injuries. 4. Psychosocial stressors will become increasingly important as the hospital environment demands more of nurses.