The current level of stress among clinical nurses and midwives is a matter of interest. This paper examines the determinants of stress as well as the level of job satisfaction and career commitment of general nurses and midwives.

This article reviews the literature on patients' privacy and dignity and concludes that interest in the topic goes back to psychiatric patients in the 1960s, with the 1990s seeing a shift to all hospitals. A number of databases were used to obtain information for the literature review. Findings revealed United Kingdom (UK) government policies designed to raise the profile of patients' privacy and dignity. UK research on patients' privacy/dignity is limited, although there is universal interest. While a variety of methodologies have been used in previous research, and there is consistency in findings, more research is indicated. Previous research spanned topics such as elderly patients, medical and surgical patients, palliative care, rehabilitative settings and child-bearing women. A conceptual framework and definitions of privacy and dignity were examined. Although healthcare professionals and patients attach importance to patients' privacy, there is insufficient understanding of the problem. Limitations of previous research have been discussed.

This is the first in a series of articles that review the field of nurse occupational stress research. The review in its entirety provides a focus for further research on nurse stress; further research is crucial, especially at a time when major changes in nursing and the NHS in general provide major challenges which some people would argue are critical prerequisites for increased work-related stress. The review highlights the many weaknesses and gaps in nurse stress research and invites future researchers to take up the challenge.

In May-June 2006, a self-report questionnaire was completed by 40 inpatients to assess their experience of privacy and dignity in hospital. The questionnaire comprised closed and open questions, where the latter, among other things, required the patient's own narrative. Results indicate that patients view privacy/dignity as crucial. Although the staff and inadequate ward layouts compromise and conspire against patients' privacy and dignity, patients appear to sympathize with how hospitals are run, even if the caring environment fails to provide full privacy. Women have greater concerns, and both genders indicated how their privacy and dignity could be met. Recognizing problems relating to meeting patients' privacy and dignity, the article challenges clinical staff and hospital designers to address the issue, especially as central government initiatives and law demand serious attention to ensuring patients' privacy and dignity. Research is indicated to ascertain hospital designs, preferred care strategies and education to address the problem.

This article commences with the view that appropriate and clear definitions and conceptualizations of nurse stress are central to meaningful nurse stress research and management. Stress definitions are examined using psychology and nursing literature. The conclusions drawn suggest that, sadly, too many reports on nurse stress fail to make clear the theoretical underpinning, working definitions and conceptualizations of the studies reported. Many studies, in defining stress, causation and stress management fail to acknowledge the inextricable links between nurses' (public) work and their private lives. The question of what nurse stress research rating scales test is also considered.