Occupational stress in hospice care: Causes and coping strategies

Abstract

Thirty-three nurses from three hospice services in a large Midwestern city participated in this study, which investigated responses to difficult or demanding work-related situations. Three tools (the Self Inventory of Situational Responses-TC questionnaire, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory questionnaire and rank-ordered listing of likely causes of difficult or demanding situations) were used to collect data. Findings indicated that anxiety is an issue for hospice workers but that difficult or demanding situations were viewed as challenges rather than threats. Management of intractable symptoms and communication issues were of primary concern. Administrative concerns were identified as the third-ranking source of difficult situations. Issues related to death and dying were of notably less concern. Strategies for staff support also are identified.

Social Workers in Pediatric Oncology: A Qualitative Study in Iranian Context

“…The findings of this study were in accordance with results of similar studies in that the nature of oncology work was described as stressful and exhausting because it involves unpleasant events associated with cancer treatment, talking about adverse events, working with terminally ill patients and supporting clients who have experienced trauma (Dean, 1998;Alkema et al, 2008;Whitebird et al, 2013).…”

Closeness and distance: a way of handling difficult situations in daily care

“…If care team members handle difficult situations by means of evasive behaviour, of if they develop too close a relationship with the patient, neither of these approaches is favourable for the patient, the relatives, or team members. Coping strategies of care staff in demanding situations in palliative care have been identified by means of different instruments (Dean 1998, Myles Evans et al. 2001, Payne 2001).…”

Professional compassion fatigue: what is the true cost of nurses caring for the dying?

“…These symptoms have the potential to create negative long-term health effects in nurses and indeed anyone who continually cares for people who are seriously ill, wounded, traumatised, and/or dying. Dean (1998) described how, since the mid-1970s, hospice specifically has been considered 'stressful' (pl51). She stated that not only do hospice workers deal with repeated and ongoing loss, but they also work with families at a time of immense emotional strain.…”