Impact of work-related stress on occupational health in nursing

Nursing staff played a fundamental role in the hospital setting, being an essential pillar of patient care. Karasek's demand-control theory explained that stress arose when high job demands were combined with low levels of control and little social support. This approach made it possible to understand how working conditions directly influenced the physical and psychological health of nursing staff.DevelopmentWork-related stress was defined as the body's response to demands that exceeded the worker's capabilities. This phenomenon was accompanied by physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that affected their performance and quality of life. Stages such as alarm, resistance, and exhaustion were identified, leading to serious emotional and physical complications, while eustress was presented as a positive factor that stimulated motivation and creativity. However, distress predominated in scenarios of work overload, long shifts, and precarious wages. Physical, psychological, and social factors, such as long working hours, work-family conflicts, and lack of institutional support, increased the risk of stress-related illnesses.ConclusionThe analysis showed that nursing staff were exposed to multiple stressors that compromised their overall well-being and professional performance. It was concluded that promoting a healthy work environment, strengthening autonomy in practice, and ensuring social support were essential strategies for reducing the effects of stress, improving the quality of care, and preserving occupational health.