J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2015 May;17(2):169-178. 10.7586/jkbns.2015.17.2.169.

Comparison of Patient-Sitter Ward Nurses and General Ward Nurses on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Occupational Stress and Nursing Work Environments

• Bang MR
• Sim SS
• Lee DS

• KMID: 2173217
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2015.17.2.169

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational stress and nursing work environments of nurses working in patient-sitter wards and general wards.
METHODS
The study surveyed 240 nurses with more than one year of experience working in both patient-sitter wards and general wards. The collected data then was analyzed by SPSS statistics version 22.
RESULTS
As for the musculoskeletal symptoms, the survey showed that 85.2% and 67.8% of the nurses had such symptoms respectively in patient-sitter wards and general wards. In terms of occupational stress, no significant difference was observed between the patient-sitter ward and the general ward (t=-0.23, p=.821). Lastly, the study showed that there is a significant difference in terms of work environment considering the scores recorded 2.65 and 2.55 points respectively in patient-sitter ward and general ward (t=2.53, p=.012).
CONCLUSION
Follow-up research should look at ways to lower the rate of experiencing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms; analyze work performances and establish work standards to lower occupational stress; and devise measures to improve the work environment for the nurses working in patient-sitter wards.

Keyword

Musculoskeletal disease; Occupational stress; Nursing work environments; Nurses

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Nursing*
Patients' Rooms*