Occupational stress among nurses

The subject: Stressrelated illness is highlighted as a social problem in public debates. According to reports, it has been found that there is considerably greater risk to becoming ill from stress on female-dominated workplaces such as in healthcare. As this problem continues to increase, this has created an interest to investigate what one experiences creating occupational stress and whether it distinguishes between male or female nurses. Aim: The purpose of the study is to create an understanding of how female and male nurses experience stressrelated illness at their workplace. Method: This study was conducted through interviews of five male and five female nurses at the same emergency care clinic. The purpose of the choice of a qualitative method is to have the opportunity to deepen the information’s answers. Theory: Based on previous research, a model was established in studies of stress at work. This model is called job demands, control and support and was developed by Karasek, Theorell and Johnson. Their theory says that if there is a balance between demands and control negative stress is not experienced as strongly. But if there is no balance between demand and control, social support at work can weigh up some. In order to compare differences between men and women, gender is a social structure and not just gender of male/female. The social structure is multidimensional where for example identity, work, power and personal qualities are included. Conclusion: The summary of my conclusions is that, according to these respondents, there are some differences between men and women. If they experience demands, control and support in their work, they usually do not experience a work-related stress regardless of gender. But the difference is that the factors that they perceive as important for feeling a balance are not the same whether it is a woman or a man