Occupational Stress: Main Theoretical Models with Particular Relevance to the Nursing Profession

Aims: The main aim of this critical review is to cite, analyze and evaluate the core theoretical models on occupational stress with particular reference to the nursing profession.

Methodology: A systematic search was undertaken which yielded 84 articles that were finally reduced to 39. Furthermore, the results were elaborated upon further to form a concise table on theoretical models for occupational stress in the nursing profession. The nine theoretical models were elaborated further in chronological date order.

Results: there are 8 main theoretical models that explore emotional exhaustion as characterized by a marked lack of physical energy, and a feeling that there are no further reserves or resources from which to renew his energy. In general, the individual feels that he or she is no longer in the mood required to make an emotional investment in his or her work and is further suffering from the demands of his or her clients and/or the wider working environment. Perhaps the most unpleasant thing is that he cannot foresee a solution to such problems and loses perspective on what the next day may hold.

Conclusions: Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization are the two stages that preceded professional incapacitation and a worker's sense of diminished personal achievements where hope is lacking. Therefore, active measures need to be taken by management and other coworkers who might identify such a problem in order to take steps to protect and ease the stress so that much needed staff can be retained. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has dictated that nursing staff retention is a critical issue on a global scale.