Stress, a single word can produce growth or destruction. There are physical and psychological changes or reaction associated with stress (Citation). I personally believe some manageable stress is beneficial to growth, development and performance. However, I have seen stress bring a person to their knees and crack a foundation. Unfortunately, I have also seen stress resolved though suicide. Stress is a cruel action that can change direction; becoming productive to destructive on the turn of a dime. It is important to evaluate the aspects of a situation that are out of your control. Additionally, it is important to take steps that make stress manageable as well as develop individual strategies to assist in counteracting the effects of stress. In a stressful situation it is important to focus on what you can control. As a critical care nurse I work in a stressful environment and realize that there are factors I can control. Johansen and Cadmus (2016) found that it is a person’s perception of the work environment that assists in managing stress. Recognizing internal stressors sources is important when managing aspects of a stressful situation (citation). Limiting the amount of negative emotions perceived in a stressful situation helps to decrease the chance of a destructive type loss of control. In an event of a cardio pulmonary arrest with a patient, I have the decision to control my emotions; staying calm and collective helps to provide relief and support to others. If I become agitated, frustrated and unfocused I have the potential to create a situation that is not beneficial to anyone. Additionally, a work environment that allows open communication and support can improve conflict management in stressful environment (Johansen & Cadmus, 2016). In a stressful situation there are areas that are uncontrollable. External stress factors are outside self-control, which include financial, employment and major life changes (Citation). As a nurse I cannot control the emotions or actions of other people. Family members may become defensive and argumentative when discussing patient care. This loss of control can cause frustration, self-doubt, and fear. Personally, realizing I cannot always have control of situation is scary and that is its self-causes me stress. An example of uncontrollable
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For the majority of people stress is a daily factor in their lives and if one stressor is removed another will take its place. However, if the stress becomes to grand that it affects your personal physical and mental health, steps should be taken to eliminate the major source of stress. These steps include identifying stressors, discarding irrational believes, avoiding negative thought process, identifying belief system changing behavior and using effective counter measures (citation). Having a support system, both at home and work is especially important. Personally, I use several methods to manage stress. I attempt to exercise two to four times a week. Increasing fitness helps to improve stress management (citation). I also practice positive cognitive retraining by listening to motivational speakers. This positive upbeat audio therapy helps me to stay focused on tasks and goals at home or work. However, I realize that I am constantly focusing on different projects and goal all simultaneously. This disorganized thought process does not assist me in making progress and adds to my stress. Additionally, I often times use a list coupled with proper time management to decrease my stressors. At my work we have an open line of communication and great support. Johansen and Cadmus (2016) found that a supportive environment that promoted open ended communication, proper
For the majority of people stress is a daily factor in their lives and if one stressor is removed another will take its place. However, if the stress becomes to grand that it affects your personal physical and mental health, steps should be taken to eliminate the major source of stress. These steps include identifying stressors, discarding irrational believes, avoiding negative thought process, identifying belief system changing behavior and using effective counter measures (citation). Having a support system, both at home and work is especially important. Personally, I use several methods to manage stress. I attempt to exercise two to four times a week. Increasing fitness helps to improve stress management (citation). I also practice positive cognitive retraining by listening to motivational speakers. This positive upbeat audio therapy helps me to stay focused on tasks and goals at home or work. However, I realize that I am constantly focusing on different projects and goal all simultaneously. This disorganized thought process does not assist me in making progress and adds to my stress. Additionally, I often times use a list coupled with proper time management to decrease my stressors. At my work we have an open line of communication and great support. Johansen and Cadmus (2016) found that a supportive environment that promoted open ended communication, proper