IMPACT OF JOB STRESS IN THE QUALITY OF NURSES' WORK LIFE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI CITY

Abstract

Background: The concept of quality of work life refers to the extent to which individuals can use their skills and abilities and confront and navigate circumstances that need autonomous decision-making and self-guidance. Moreover, the persons engaged in this activity perceive it to be of value. The objective of this research is to evaluate the quality of working life and job stress among nurses in the private hospitals in Chennai city, as well as to establish any potential correlation between the two variables.

Research Design: The research used a descriptive correlational methodology, with a purposive sample of 112 nurses. The study included individuals of both genders working in the nursing profession. The study was conducted at privately owned hospitals situated in the city of Chennai. The data was gathered by the use of a standardised questionnaire comprising two distinct sections. In the first section, the inclusion of personal information, work-related details, and an evaluation of the working conditions experienced by nurses was observed. Section II of the study was dedicated to the assessment of occupational stress by the use of a standardised scale.

Results: The study's results indicated that a significant majority of staff nurses working in private hospitals expressed a considerable degree of satisfaction with their work environment. Furthermore, a significant proportion of these nurses, namely 40%, reported a strong sense of contentment with the equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. In contrast, a minority of the participants, specifically fewer than one-quarter, indicated happiness with their work environment, while just a small number expressed contentment with the calibre of their job and the design of their tasks. Regarding the elements that contribute to job-related stress among staff nurses employed in private sector hospitals, a substantial majority of respondents, nearly 75%, indicated their agreement with the proposition that their working hours are not aligned with their personal life. Furthermore, a majority of the participants (more than 50%) identified frequent fluctuations in work schedules, insufficient remuneration relative to the demands of their responsibilities, and restricted opportunities for career advancement and personal development within their particular healthcare establishments.

Conclusion: A significant inverse association was observed between nurses' sense of quality of work life and their experience of workplace stress. Additionally, it was observed that there was a rise in the average scores of job stress when there was a low level of work design, work life, work context, work environment, and overall work quality of work life.

Keywords: Job stress, Quality of Work Life, and Quality of Nurses’ work life.