A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of Stressors and Experiences Among Pediatric and General Hospital Nurses in the Post-COVID-19 Era.

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the mental and physical well-being of nurses, with distinct challenges faced by pediatric and general hospital nurses. This study aimed to compare the stressors and experiences of these two groups in Greece during and after the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey of 249 nurses (108 pediatric and 141 general) (response rate: 71.1%) was conducted using a 34-item questionnaire adapted from the Coronavirus Health and Impact Survey (CRISIS) tool. While the questionnaire did not include a single item labeled "stressors," it contained sections measuring workload, burnout, perceived emotional burden, exposure risks, and mental health impacts. These variables serve as indicators of stressors within the healthcare context. The findings revealed significant differences between the two groups. Previous research suggests that pediatric nurses experience unique stressors, including the dual burden of addressing the psychological needs of children while providing emotional support to anxious families. The need for child-centered communication and high-quality care further amplifies these demands. However, pediatric nurses demonstrated greater resilience, likely due to their emphasis on maintaining physical activity as a coping mechanism. On the other hand, general hospital nurses exhibited reduced social interactions and a higher degree of social isolation compared to pediatric nurses. Despite facing common challenges, the distinct stressors highlight the necessity for targeted interventions. Tailored support systems should address the specific psychological and physical demands of pediatric nurses while also mitigating burnout and enhancing resilience among general hospital nurses. These findings underscore the importance of implementing specialized mental health programs and workplace policies designed to address the unique challenges faced by pediatric and general hospital nurses. By addressing the distinct stressors experienced by each group, such initiatives can enhance resilience, reduce burnout, and promote overall well-being.