[Stress, seen from outside].

Abstract

This article draws from the vast literature on stress in nursing and discusses the preoccupation that researchers and specialists have with this area. It asks the reader to take a moment to reflect on the types of stressful situations that nurses face on a daily basis. The authors focus on the potential tensions that can ensue following exposure to stress and the resulting psychosomatic, psychological, behavioral and organizational consequences. The authors challenge legislators, governments, administrators, members of the multidisciplinary team and nursing organizations to tackle the issue of stress in nursing and make it a priority. Research conducted during the last 20 years provides overwhelming evidence that nurses work in a high-stress environment. The sources of stress vary and their consequences are significant. However, it is recognized that certain personal factors such as type "A" personality can influence the way nurses deal with stress. Ultimately, the authors conducted their literature review with the aim of proposing anti-stress strategies.