LEARNING OUTCOME AND OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this course, you will be able to identify the causes, symptoms, stages, management, and prevention of work-related stress and components of a healthy workplace. Specific learning objectives to address potential knowledge gaps include:

• Define “stress.”
• Describe the potential health impacts of stress.
• Differentiate between burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma as work-related stressors.
• Discuss individual and organizational strategies to minimize the effects of work-related stress.
• Explain how stress contributes to suicidal ideation.

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare professionals are challenged on a daily basis with a variety of stressors as they care for patients. These work-related stresses can take a toll on the mind and body of these professionals, which in turn may affect the quality of patient care and outcomes. Work-related stress may also impact job satisfaction, workforce stability, and safety in the healthcare environment (AHRQ, 2019).

Many healthcare professionals work in demanding situations, hold high expectations for themselves, and believe they should be able to handle anything no matter what the challenge. But burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma are common risks they may face in their stressful work environment. Fortunately, work-related stress is both “treatable” and preventable. Professionals can learn to cope with different forms of stress by gaining an understanding of stress and stressors, recognizing their signs and symptoms, acquiring skills to manage the destructive effects of stress, and preventing or reducing its impact in the future.

Recently, healthcare workers have faced the stress of dealing with a pandemic. COVID-19 has exposed healthcare professionals to circumstances that threaten their health, well-being, and ability to work. Providing care to patients with COVID-19 may also expose healthcare professionals’ families to the virus and/or the need to isolate from family and friends, which further adds to their stress. COVID-19 has also greatly stressed healthcare systems throughout the world, many of which were unprepared for a pandemic, leaving them to desperately search for essentials such as personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and even sufficient beds for sick patients (Arnetz et al., 2020).

It is imperative that all healthcare professionals work to help alleviate work-related stress. Unless it is managed effectively, stress will continue to have adverse effects on staff as well as patients and visitors.