Impact of stress on nurses working in the district nursing service

Abstract

This literature review aimed to identify the consequences of working in a highly stressful environment within district nursing teams and the implications this has on nursing practice and the welfare of nurses. The review analysed 10 primary research studies, resulting in three emerging themes that formed the foundation of a discussion; burnout and compassion fatigue; reduced job satisfaction and retention; and emotional injury. The results identified that healthy behaviours, emotional intelligence and effective caseload and staffing management can reduce the negative impact that stress can have on nurses. Organisations need to promote healthy behaviours through support and training and need to reassess how caseloads are managed in correlation with staffing levels. Coaching in emotional intelligence skills is vital and should be provided to all nurses within the DN service.

Keywords: Burnout; Compassion fatigue; District nursing; Emotional injury; Retention; Stress.