Limitations, frustrations and opportunities: a follow-up study of nursing graduates from the University of Birmingham, England.

This paper reports an ongoing study of the progress of nursing graduates from the University of Birmingham, England. The aim of the research was to follow-up early graduates from the programme, to assess their progress and study feedback indicators that could help further the development of this relatively new programme. The study also aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge about United Kingdom nursing graduates, following the recent shift of nurse education from Schools/Colleges of Nursing into universities. Due to objection from some quarters as to the value of a university education for nurses, even such a small-scale study is considered to be important. A questionnaire was sent to the first three cohorts of graduates. It revealed interesting findings in relation to work patterns, continuing professional and academic development and perceptions of the value of the degree in practice. The graduates made recommendations regarding changes that might enhance the quality of the Birmingham degree and nursing practice generally.

Nurse occupational stress research. 6: Methodological approaches.

This article, the final in the series on nurse occupational stress, reviews the most common methodological approaches used to study nurse stress. It also discusses the methods that are rarely used and alternative methods that have not previously been used to research nurse stress. The strengths and limitations of the different approaches are examined.

Nurse occupational stress research. 5: Sources and determinants of stress.

This article, the fifth in a six-part series, reviews the major sources and determinants of nurse stress. The reviewer identifies a wide range of stress determinants, including work overload, interpersonal relationship problems, role conflict and ambiguity, work vs home, resource shortages and pressure from patients, among others. He makes the point that since successive pieces of research keep highlighting the same nurse stress determinants, it would appear that either those who are responsible for addressing the problems and finding solutions are ignoring the research findings or, if interventions are being implemented, they are not working.

Nurse occupational stress research 3: a model of stress for research.

The second article in this series (Vol 6(12):710-13) explored definitions of stress and emphasized the need for suitable models of nurse stress for research purposes. This article, the third in the series, examines models of stress, and identifies those which may be suitable for future nurse stress research. The author's model of nurse stress for use in carrying out research and stress management is outlined and discussed.

Nurse occupational stress research. 2: Definition and conceptualization.

This article commences with the view that appropriate and clear definitions and conceptualizations of nurse stress are central to meaningful nurse stress research and management. Stress definitions are examined using psychology and nursing literature. The conclusions drawn suggest that, sadly, too many reports on nurse stress fail to make clear the theoretical underpinning, working definitions and conceptualizations of the studies reported. Many studies, in defining stress, causation and stress management fail to acknowledge the inextricable links between nurses' (public) work and their private lives. The question of what nurse stress research rating scales test is also considered.

A review of nurse occupational stress research: 1.

This is the first in a series of articles that review the field of nurse occupational stress research. The review in its entirety provides a focus for further research on nurse stress; further research is crucial, especially at a time when major changes in nursing and the NHS in general provide major challenges which some people would argue are critical prerequisites for increased work-related stress. The review highlights the many weaknesses and gaps in nurse stress research and invites future researchers to take up the challenge.

Nurse occupational stress research. 4: The prevalence of stress.

This article, the fourth in a six-part series on nurse occupational stress, reviews the prevalence of nurse stress. It will attempt to address questions which are both critical and crucial to an examination of the prevalence of nurse stress. Does the evidence support the claim that the levels of nurse stress within the new NHS are increasing? Does current nurse stress research methodology permit like-for-like comparisons of nurse stress methodology in relation to issues such as frequency and degree of stress? Are certain areas of nursing more stressful than others?

Occupational stress and cognitive style in nurses: 2.

The first part of this two-part article described cognitive styles and their possible influence on occupational performance and stress. This part describes a study whose aim was to investigate the relationship between cognitive style and occupational stress in nurses. Possible interactions with type of nursing, grade, age and number of clients were examined.

Occupational stress and cognitive style in nurses: 1.

All occupations are potentially stressful, and this is particularly so in the case of nursing, where a number of potential sources of stress interact. Cognitive style is likely to affect the way an individual reacts to different types of stress. The first part of this article will discuss the two basic dimensions of cognitive styles and their effects.