A group of staff nurses have met with the nurse manager to discuss the increasing stress of working on a unit. What strategies could the nurse manager suggest or use to help the staff cope with this stress? Select all that apply

Question

1. The manager could help the staff set reasonable priorities in the work done every day on the unit.
2. The manager could offer the staff a class on multi-tasking.
3. The manager could create a schedule that supports the nurse's ability to take breaks throughout the day.
4. The manager could encourage a goal of eating healthy foods when at work.
5. The manger could be a role model by viewing problems as challenges and opportunities.

Answer 1

1, 3, 4, 5
Explanation: 1. Setting priorities in a hectic schedule can reduce stress.
2. The manager should help the staff focus on one task at a time to the extent possible. Multi-tasking increases stress.
3. Taking a few moments to slow down throughout the day reduces stress. When units are very busy, nurses tend to shorten breaks and lunches because "I don't have time."
4. A healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and adequate sleep help people to handle stress more successfully.
5. Stress increases as problems increase. Viewing problems as challenges and opportunities can help reduce that stress. Stress in itself is not bad, the way people handle stress makes it negative.