Stress and work engagement among nurses in intensive care units: Palestinian perspective

Abstract

Introduction Work engagement denotes to a state of positive and affective motivation of elevated power joined with high educational levels and a great concentration on occupation and it is negatively affected by psychological problems. This study aimed to assess the stress and work engagement among Palestinian nurses working in intensive care units. . Methods A cross-sectional design was adopted. A convenience sample consisting of 225 intensive care nurses from governmental hospitals was recruited to participate. Data collection utilized the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 (UWES-9), and demographic data were utilized to gather data throughout the period from 10 February to 30 March 2023.

Results Findings demonstrated that nurses stress level was high (M=105.9± SD=11.91). Concerning work engagement, the nurses endorsed moderate work engagement levels with a mean of 3.7 (SD= 0.4). Regarding work engagement subscales, the mean of vigor was 3.7 (0.6), dedication with a mean of 3.7 (0.6), and absorption with a mean of 3.7 (0.6). Also, the findings showed that stress, Gender, and monthly income were predictors of work engagement (P< 0.05).

Conclusion The intensive care nurses had high stress levels and moderate work engagement. Stress, gender, and monthly income were predictors of the work engagement. Thus, interventions should be encouraged to minimize stress, which have a significant influence on work engagement