PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN THE WORK OF SURGICAL NURSES

Abstract

Among all categories of health care professionals, nursing personnel working in surgical departments face higher levels of stress associated with the nature of their work. Stress factors include long shifts, high levels of responsibility for their patients, working under constant pressure, and the need to make decisions quickly. The chronic stress experienced by nurses may lead to emotional burnout, reduced quality of patient services and development of psychosomatic conditions. This study evaluates stress levels in nurses of surgical departments using various methods and analyzes factors contributing to stress development. The objective of the study was to determine stress levels in surgical nurses and to identify the main factors that cause stress in their workplace. Additional objectives included evaluating the impact of stress on their professional performance and development of recommendations to reduce stress levels. In order to achieve study objectives and accomplish the tasks set out in the study, comprehensive methods of analysis and evaluation were employed, including searching and analyzing scientific literature, using various psychological measures and scales to assess perceptions of stress and emotional burnout, measuring cortisol levels in the saliva, using the NSI (Nursing Stress Index) questionnaire with subsequent analysis of the results and review of psychological strategies and methods of coping with stress. As a result of this study, stress levels in surgical nurses were assessed using subjective and objective diagnostic measures, the core psychological strategies and methods of coping with stress have been identified, and the role of psychological training and psychoemotional support in improving the quality of nursing work have been identified. This research work included development of recommendations for improving working conditions of and stress reduction in nurses using effective programs and practices.