Maltese oncology nurses and psychological, work-related stressors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identity whether Maltese oncology nurses experience any degree of burnout and the sources of any psychological stress. This study also looked at the coping mechanisms adopted by the participants and what were the support systems which they perceived as most beneficial to them. A questionnaire was distributed among fourteen nurses working at the two oncology wards at Boffa Hospital. The overall picture given by the results of this study appears to show that nurses experience a low to moderated degree of burnout, mainly due to deaths of young adults, multiple deaths, work overload and lack of communication and co-operation among personnel. It appeared that nurses cope mainly by discussing the situation with a team member. Other coping strategies used by the participants were emotionally focused. As regards support systems the participants said that they need consultation with the multidisciplinary team, regular staff support meetings and a gymnasium for physical exercises and relaxation. Suggestions are made for improvements in the present situation and for further research to be carried out.