A review of nurse occupational stress research: 1.

This is the first in a series of articles that review the field of nurse occupational stress research. The review in its entirety provides a focus for further research on nurse stress; further research is crucial, especially at a time when major changes in nursing and the NHS in general provide major challenges which some people would argue are critical prerequisites for increased work-related stress. The review highlights the many weaknesses and gaps in nurse stress research and invites future researchers to take up the challenge.