This document contains slides from a presentation on stress reduction. It discusses how stress affects healthcare professionals and patients. It defines stress and identifies its causes such as overwork, role ambiguity, and understaffing. Long-term stress can increase risks of health issues like heart disease, diabetes and mental health problems. The presentation recommends organizational changes, stress management training, and coping strategies like mindfulness, social support and seeking help to reduce workplace stress.
1. Slide 1
Stress Reduction
Theresa Byrd RN BSN
Clinical Coordinator
Norton Women’s Heart and Vascular
Center
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Slide 2
Objectives
• Review data regarding stress in the workplace and
its effect on the healthcare professional and patient.
• Define stress, causes, and symptoms of stress.
• Recognize stress reduction techniques and coping
skills.
• Identify resources for stress available in the
community.
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Slide 3
Stress in the Workplace
OSHA declares stress a
hazard of the workplace.
Costs American industry
over $300 billion annually.
43% of all adults suffer
adverse health effects of
stress.
75-90% of all doctor visits
are for stress-related
ailments and complaints.
www.webmd.com/mental-health/effects-of-stress-on-your-body
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2. Slide 4
Surveys on Stress in Workplace
40% of workers report their
job is “very or extremely stressful.”
Northwestern National Life
29% of workers report they feel
“quite a bit or extremely stressed
at work.”
Yale University
26% of workers report they are
“often or very often burned out or
stressed by their work.”
Families and Work Institute
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Slide 5
Women’s Health Study – Harvard Research
Involved over 17,000 female health professionals.
Women whose work is highly stressful are:
70% more likely to have a heart attack.
Have a 40% increased risk of heart disease (heart
attacks and need for coronary artery surgery).
Women who worry about losing their jobs are more
likely to have high blood pressure, unhealthy
cholesterol levels, and to be obese.
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Slide 6
Work Stress
Has been shown to result in:
• Job dissatisfaction
• Burnout (physical, emotional, and mental
exhaustion)
• Staff turnover
• Occupational illness and injuries
• Reduced mental health
• Depression
• Suicide
Lundstrom et al, Am J Infect Control 2002;30:93-106
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3. Slide 7 Studies on Job Stress
• Found that medical residents feeling overwhelmed
correlated with the reported number of minor
medical mistakes.
• Found a strong relationship between degree of
stress (on a stress continuum scale) and the
occurrence of patient incidents.
• Found availability of technology was significantly
associated with lower risk-adjusted mortality.
Lundstrom et al, Am J Infect Control 2002;30:93-106
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Slide 8
Studies on Staffing Ratios
Understaffing resulted in:
• decreased compliance with hand washing
• increased rates of blood and body fluid exposure
in nurses
• increased rates of pneumonia and urinary tract
infections
Lundstrom et al, Am J Infect Control 2002;30:93-106
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Slide 9
Studies on Staffing Ratios
Found higher rates of infection with MRSA
correlated with nurse overtime and the use of
temporary staffing.
Found rates of S aureus infection in neonatal ICU
was 16 times higher after period of understaffing.
Lundstrom et al, Am J Infect Control 2002;30:93-106
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4. Slide 10 Studies on Job Stress and Burnout
• Found that reduced length of stay, lower nurse turnover,
and higher evaluations of quality of care significantly
associated with:
• Caregiver interactions
• Unit culture
• Leadership
• Coordination
• Communication
• Conflict management
Lundstrom et al, Am J Infect Control 2002;30:93-106
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Slide 11
What is Stress?
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Slide 12
What is Stress?
The body’s physical and
emotional reaction to change.
Very individual. Everyone
perceives and reacts to stress
differently.
Positive stress - normal,
beneficial to help us keep alert,
accomplish tasks, or prevent
injury.
Negative stress- harmful if
ongoing, chronic, and not dealt
with in a healthy manner.
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6. Slide 16
Stressors
Illness – personal, family member, or friend
Becoming a caretaker
Death of a friend or loved one
Problems in relationships with family or friends
Marital conflicts, separation, and/or divorce
Family time management
Childrearing
Financial concerns
Legal problems
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Slide 17
Stressors
Planning a wedding
Pregnancy
Retirement
Perfectionism
Crowds, traffic
Unemployment
Relocation
Starting a new job, job promotion
Work overload, deadlines
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Slide 18
Occupational Stress
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) defines Occupational Stress as:
“the harmful physical and
emotional responses that occur
when the requirements of the job
do not match the capabilities,
resources, or needs of the worker.”
(NIOSH)
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7. Slide 19
Causes of Occupational Stress
• Work overload- infrequent rest breaks, long work
hours, and shift work
• Lack of task control - hectic and routine tasks
that have little inherent meaning, do not utilize
workers' skills, and provide little sense of control
• Role ambiguity - Conflicting or uncertain job
expectations, too much responsibility, too many
"hats to wear”
(NIOSH)
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Slide 20
Causes Occupational Stress
Organizational factors:
• Poor interpersonal relations
• Lack of support or help from coworkers and
supervisors
• Lack of management commitment to core
values
• Poor or lack of communication
• Lack of participation by workers in decision
making
• Lack of family-friendly policies
(NIOSH)
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Slide 21
Causes Occupational Stress
Training and career development issues:
• lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or
promotion
• job insecurity
• rapid changes for which workers are unprepared
Conflict between work and family roles and
responsibilities
Financial and economic factors
(NIOSH)
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8. Slide 22 Causes of Stress in Nurses
• Work overload, understaffing, time pressure
• Lack of social support at work
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Needle stick injuries
• Exposure to work-related violence or threats
• Sleep deprivation
• Role ambiguity
• Career development issues
• Dealing with difficult or seriously ill patients
(NIOSH)
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Slide 23 ___________________________________
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Slide 24 Causes of Stress in Physicians
• Long hours
• Excessive workload
• Dealing with death and dying
• Interpersonal conflicts with other staff
• Patient expectations
• Threat of malpractice litigation
(NIOSH)
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9. Slide 25
Emotional Symptoms
• Job dissatisfaction
• Anxiety
• Easily agitated, frustrated, moody
• Irritability or anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
• Feeling worthless, powerless, negative thinking
• Feeling lonely, sadness, and depressed
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Slide 26
Physical Symptoms
Low energy, tired, exhaustion, fatigue
Headaches
Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
Aches, pains, and tense muscles (back pain, stiff neck)
Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
Insomnia
Frequent colds and infections
Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
Nervousness and shaking
Cold or sweaty hands and feet
Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
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Slide 27
Cognitive Symptoms
Constant worrying
Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness, poor memory, and disorganization
Lack of motivation or inability to focus
Poor judgment
Difficulty making decisions
Inability to concentrate
Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
Lack of creativity
Loss of sense of humor
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10. Slide 28
Behavioral Symptoms
Absenteeism
Sleep disturbances
Changes in appetite – either not eating or eating too
much
Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail
biting, fidgeting, and pacing
Angry outbursts
Social withdrawal
Exercise less
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Slide 29
Consequences of Long Term Stress
Stress is “Dis…ease”
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Slide 30
Consequences of Long Term Stress
Cardiovascular disease- heart disease, high blood
pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, blood clots, heart
attack, heart failure, and stroke
Diabetes
Obesity and other eating disorders
Mental health problems- depression, anxiety, and
personality disorders
Gastrointestinal (stomach) Disorders – GERD,
gastritis, ulcerative colitis, irritable colon
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11. Slide 31
Consequences of Long Term Stress
Immune – sick more often, harder to fight off
disease
Asthma and other Respiratory Conditions
Skin and hair problems – acne, psoriasis, eczema,
hair loss
Menstrual problems – painful menstruation, low
fertility
Sexual dysfunction – impotence, loss of desire
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Slide 32
Reducing Stress in Workplace
Organizational Change:
• Ensure workload is in line with workers’
capabilities and resources
• Provide adequate staffing and reasonable shift
schedules
• Clearly define workers’ roles and
responsibilities
• Provide organized, efficient, safe work
environment and safe equipment
(NIOSH)
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Slide 33
Reducing Stress in Workplace
• Give workers opportunity to participate in
decisions and actions affecting their jobs
• Improve communication – regular staff
meetings
• Reduce uncertainty about career development
and future employment prospects
• Provide opportunity for social interaction
among workers
(NIOSH)
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12. Slide 34
Reducing Stress in Workplace
Stress Management Intervention
• Training in coping strategies
• Progressive relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive-behavioral techniques
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• Provide counseling and/or group therapy with
mental health provider, Employee Assistance
Programs
(NIOSH)
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Slide 35 ___________________________________
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Slide 36
Okinawans
• Highest concentration of people 100 years or older
• Okinawa - 34 centenarians/100,000
• United States – 10 centenarians/100,000
• Heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, and
dementia rates are low.
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13. Slide 37
•Purposeful lives – give clear roles and feelings of being
needed well into their 100s.
•Secure social networks - family, friends, neighbors help each
other and give financial and emotional support.
• Strong spiritual commitment and a positive outlook on life.
Okinawans
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Slide 38
Okinawan Secret of Longevity
• Low calorie, plant based diet - 7
servings fruits and
vegetables/day, 7 servings of
grain/day, fish several times per
week, and 2 servings of soy/day.
• Minimal dairy products and meat.
• Regular exercise that connect the
mind and body.
• Gardening, walking, dancing,
karate.
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Slide 39
Coping with Stress
Identify your stress triggers.
Keep a diary and record situations, events, and people
who cause you to have a negative physical, mental, or
emotional response.
Describe:
Where were you?
Who was involved?
What was your reaction?
How did you feel?
Tackle your stress triggers.
Find a way to change the circumstances causing it.
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14. Slide 40
Coping with Stress
• Set realistic goals – Review goals on regular basis and adjust
as needed
• Sharpen time management skills.
• Make a priority list – do most important things first.
• Protect your time – block out time on your calendar to work
on an important project.
• Delegate Tasks!
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Slide 41
Coping with Stress
• Get other points of view and
suggestions. Talking can
simply relieve stress.
• Be with friends and family –
have a cup of tea with during
break with friend at work.
• Phone call with sister.
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Slide 42
Coping with Stress
S.T.O.P. - Live mindfully and consciously.
• S – Stop what you are doing.
• T – take a few deep breaths.
• O – Observe your body and smile.
• P - Proceed with kindness and
compassion.
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15. Slide 43
The Dalai Lama suggests:
Spend energy focusing on the solution rather than
worrying about the problem.
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Slide 44
Coping with Stress
Seek professional help.
• Talk to your physician,
• Mental health provider
(Psychologist, psychiatrist).
• Employee assistance program.
• Take a stress management
class (colleges, mental health
providers, employer wellness
programs).
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Slide 45
Coping with Stress
• Think positive – Optimism may affect your quality of life and
enable you to cope better.
• Focus on one thing at a time – Our conscious cannot
multitask.
• Take 20 minutes for yourself
• Stretch or walk
• Sit quietly without an agenda
• Explore your spirituality.
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16. Slide 46
Coping with Stress
• Make time for activities you enjoy:
• Reading , Movie
• Socializing
• Volunteer
• Concert
• Art exhibit
• Comedy show
• Sporting event
• Hobby - musical instrument,
sewing, gardening, painting,
singing, drawing
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Slide 47
Coping with Stress
Treat yourself with love as much
as you love others.
Get a massage or try self massage.
Eat healthy – fresh fruits and
vegetables, lean protein, whole
grains.
Limit alcohol and caffeine.
Coffee raises stress hormone-
switch to green tea or chamomile
tea
Take a vacation or long weekend
when you can.
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Slide 48 Coping with Stress
Deep breathing.
Meditation, qigong.
Imagery - Go to your “Happy
Place”.
Progressive muscle relaxation.
Listen to music.
• Journaling – let your thoughts
flow.
• Keep a “Gratitude Journal”.
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17. Slide 49
Tai Chi
Improves stress management.
Reduces anxiety and depression.
Lowers blood pressure.
Improves balance, flexibility, and
muscle strength.
Increase mental focus and
concentration.
YMCA, churches.
Norton Health and Wellness
Center – September, 2014
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Slide 50
Yoga
Improves strength, balance,
flexibility and coordination.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Helps blood pressure.
Improves muscle mass and bone
density.
Increases mental focus and
concentration.
Helps relieve asthma symptoms.
Reduces arthritis pain.
Yoga Nidra Classes - Marshall
Women’s Health and Education
Center – July 2014
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Slide 51
Coping with Stress
Unplug yourself from the Office!
Each night, block 30 minutes for
email.
Turn It Off !
Put Out of Sight!
Don’t play catch up before
bedtime – hard from brain to
relax and sleep if in work mode.
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18. Slide 52
Coping with Stress
Take it Outside – Be with
Mother Nature.
Natural light increases levels
of mood lifting chemical
serotonin.
Notice the colors, the smells,
fresh air.
Feel breeze on your face.
Notice shapes in clouds.
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Slide 53 Exercise
•Boosts serotonin and immune
system.
•150 minutes of moderate
physical activity per week or 75
minutes of vigorous activity per
week.
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Slide 54
Stress Balls
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19. Slide 55
Don’t Smoke, Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Nicotine is a stimulant!
Smoking Cessation Classes:
Cooper-Clayton method,
behavioral modification program
involving nicotine replacement and
nicotine reduction therapy, as well
as group support.
All classes meet once a week for 13
weeks.
Norton Healthcare - 629-1234.
Louisville Metro Public Health and
Wellness - 574-STOP (7867).
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Slide 56 Get Your Beauty Sleep!
• Women with poor sleep had higher levels of psychological
distress, and greater feelings of hostility, depression, and
anger.
• Women also had higher levels
of C-reactive protein
and interleukin-6
inflammation biomarkers.
Duke University Study: March 2008
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Slide 57 Fatty Fishes
• Salmon, sardines, or tuna fish.
• High in Omega 3 fatty acids
and Vitamin B12.
• Helps protect heart.
• Help prevents surges in stress
hormones.
• Helps with mood disorders,
depression and PMS.
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20. Slide 58
Warm Cup of Oatmeal or Green Tea
• Oatmeal
• Increases serotonin.
• High in Vitamin B and
Magnesium.
• Green Tea
• High in antioxidants,
flavanoids and catechins that
have a calming effect.
• Helps you recover from
stressful events more quickly.
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Slide 59
Fruits and Veggies
Oranges
• High in Vitamin C to help
boost immune system.
• Lowers levels of stress
hormone – cortisol.
Spinach
• High in Magnesium.
• Helps with fatigue and
headaches.
• Relaxes muscles and calms.
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Slide 60
Coping with Stress
Show some love.
Cuddle your pet.
Give an unexpected hug.
Snuggle with your
spouse.
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21. Slide 61
Petting your Dog
Body releases feel good
hormone – serotonin,
prolactin, and oxytocin.
Decrease stress hormone,
cortisol.
Decrease blood pressure.
Decreases anxiety.
Boosts immunity.
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Slide 62 ___________________________________
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Slide 63
Laughter is the best medicine
Increases oxygen and blood
flow.
Relieves tension.
Releases good feeling
hormones, serotonin.
Reduces cortisol and
epinephrine levels.
Belly laugh is good workout
for abdominal muscles,
diaphragm, shoulders, and
heart.
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22. Slide 64
Resources
The Center for Women and Families
24 hour Crisis Line – 877-803-7577
Seven Counties
Emergency & Crisis Numbers 24/7
• 502-589-4313 or 1-800-221-0446
For an appointment – 502-589-1100; 1-800-264-8799.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group
(502) 931-3999
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Slide 65
Resources
Location of a Psychologist in Your area – American
Psychologist Association – 1-800-964-2000 or
www.apahelpcenter.org/
Hosparus/Hospice and Palliative Care – 456-5451
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support Kentuckiana: 502-541-1818
Postpartum Depression Support Group
Norton Suburban: 899-6220
Norton Women’s Counseling Services –
Sheila Ward, APRN – 899-6220
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Slide 66
Resources
WomenHeart Support Network Coordinators
Bev Hurt – 419-0583, Vanessa Rogers – 644-2288,
WH-Louisville@womenheart.org
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23. Slide 67
Resources
Norton Stroke Support Group – 636-7349
Norton Wellness for Life Series – 629-1234
Norton Healthcare Grief Care – 629-5926
Norton Consoling Parents and Consoling Grandparents –
629-2103
Norton Healthcare Church and Health Ministries - 629-2700
Tai Chi or Yoga classes – 629-1234
Norton Music Therapy – 636-7054
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Slide 68
Resources
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH Job Stress
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/stress
Your Portable Guide to Stress Relief
www.health.harvard.edu/topic/stress
National Institute of Mental Health
“Fact Sheet on Stress”
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Slide 69
Resources
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stress.html
www.webmd.com/balance/stress-
management/default.htm
www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-
depression/DS00546
www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-
depression/postpartum-depression-topic-overview
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