Stress among charge nurses: tool development and stress measurement.

The aim of this study was to develop and implement a tool for measuring the role stress of charge nurses. Tools are lacking regarding measurement of nursing role stressors, particularly for charge nurses. Based on focus groups and in-depth interviews with charge nurses within a large tertiary hospital, a charge nurse stress questionnaire was developed which measures six factors of stress: authority-responsibility conflict, patient-nurse interaction, deficient resources, managerial decision making, role conflict, and overload. The prominent stressors on charge nurses were specific to the role. Mean levels of stress were significantly higher for nurses who attended post-graduate clinical courses than for those who did not. The mean level of stress was higher for department nurse managers than for nurses without a managerial position. This tool was designed to measure charge nurse stress demonstrates reliability, and highlights the specific stressors demanded by the role. Preparation and ongoing support for fulfilling this position are recommended.