Work-related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies in ambulance nurses: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

Aim: To describe experiences of work- related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies among registered nurses (RNs) in the ambulance service (AS).Design: A descriptive and qualitative design.Methods: Participants were recruited from eight different ambulance stations from dif-ferent geographical locations in central Sweden. Data were collected from 14 RNs dur-ing the period from January 2022 to May 2022 using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data using an abductive approach.Results: Three categories describe the RNs' experiences; (1) Situations that cause work- related stress, (2) Reactions and feelings that occur and (3) Management of work- related stress. These three main categories included a total of 12 subcatego-ries. Work- related stress was experienced when participants were a part of traumatic events or experienced insufficient cooperation or a disturbing event in the work en-vironment. The different causes lead to different kinds of reactions with feelings of frustration, fear and loneliness being prominent. To manage the work- related stress, RNs used different kinds of strategies and support from colleagues or lack thereof seemed to have a major impact.Conclusions: Findings revealed the importance of having competent colleagues in the AS. Working with a competent colleague can reduce experiences of stress and prevent feelings of loneliness. It is important for the AS to provide stress- reduction support, to promote cooperation and to maintain and develop RNs' professional com-petence to ensure quality care and patient safety in the AS.