High levels of stress can have significant impacts on nurses, both personally and professionally:
Physical Health: Chronic stress can lead to headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as more serious conditions like hypertension and heart disease. Mental Health: Stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout, affecting overall mental well-being. Job Performance: High stress levels can impair concentration, decision-making, and overall job performance, potentially leading to errors. Patient Care: Nurses under stress may find it challenging to provide the highest quality of care, which can impact patient outcomes. Retention Rates: Persistent stress can lead to job dissatisfaction and high turnover rates, exacerbating staffing issues.
