This study was done in partial fulfillment of the Doctor of Nursing Practice requirements. The study investigated the relationships between general health (GH), professional quality of life (PQL) and perceived stress (PS) in a group of nurses currently employed at a large 382 bed hospital in the southeastern United States in the fall of 2017 and the early winter of 2018.
Background: Several studies have shown that general health and quality of life are associated. The health, quality of life and perceived stress of these nurses were a growing concern within the hospital. Nurse leaders needed baseline data before evidence based efforts to promote nurse health would be discussed. T%hose efforts would be aimed at promoting health and decreasing stress.
Design: This cross-sectional correlation study measured general health, quality of life, and perceived stress using four validated and reliable instruments; The medical Outcomes Short Form(SF-12), the Professional Quality of Life Index (ProQOL), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index (PSQI). Descriptive data regarding weight, physical activity, hours of sleep, education, length of time at the facility were all self reported and based on data found in the literature. The relationships between variables was done using multiple regressions.
Findings: This study found several significant relationships between general health, quality of life, stress and sleep. However, there was no correlation with physical health and all other health indicators.
There were 8 correlations with a p values = <.05
There were 15 correlations with p = <.01
There were 5 correlations with p = <.001
Three correlations with p = .000
This study identified that general health and quality of life and stress are related. The need to provide more attention to the nurse's health and quality of life has the potential for improving patient health outcomes through a thriving workforce.