The Effects of Aromatherapy on Nurse Stress Levels

Problem: Stress is prevalent in the nursing field. Nurse stress can impact the quality of care a patient receives. Aromatherapy may be used as one method to reduce nurse stress Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of aromatherapy education on nurses\u27 use of aromatherapy and stress levels. Methods: Education on aromatherapy was developed using recent Aromatherapy knowledge and nurses’ stress levels were measured using an author developed survey before education and after. The sample included nurses on an oncology/ hospice floor. Pertinent Findings: It is expected that education will increase nurses’ knowledge of aromatherapy and its benefits and increase the number of nurses who use aromatherapy for stress relief. Conclusion: Nurses should be encouraged to participate in activities that will reduce their stress including aromatherapy. Aromatherapy education should be offered to nurses on every floor as a potential stress reduction technique