Impact of Job Stress on Nurses' Productivity and Coping Strategies at the State Specialist Hospital Gombe, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Job stress and its negative effects have been shown to impact nurses' work output and reduce productivity. Given the demanding nature of nursing, it is crucial to assess how stress affects nurses' efficiency and their coping strategies. This study aimed to assess the impact of job stress on productivity and coping strategies among nurses at the State Specialist Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using a simple random sampling technique to recruit 118 nurses. Bivariate analysis was performed using a T-test at a 5% level of significance. The survey revealed that the majority of the nurses are within the age bracket of (less than 30 years) representing 43.20%, and the majority of the respondents were females representing 69.50%. The findings indicate that job stress significantly impacts nurses' ability to attend to patients, as patient inflow was notably reduced. This reduction may be linked to attitudinal changes among nurses due to job stress, which also affects job efficiency and overall healthcare service delivery. Based on these findings, this study recommends practical workshops and training on stress management and professional efficiency for nurses at the State Specialist Hospital, Gombe. These interventions may help mitigate the effects of job stress and enhance patient care.