Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify relationships among self-esteem, depression, and occupational stress in nurses in their 20s with more than 3 years' clinical experience in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Methods: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was performed on 996 nurses in their 20s who had more than 3 years' clinical experience in hospitals with 100 beds or more.
Results: “Difficulties in relationships with patients and families,” “job that deals with human lives,” and “confronting patient deaths” were extracted as occupational stresses that deteriorated their self-esteem, and “difficulties in interpersonal relationships” and “qualitative workload” as occupational stresses that cause depression. “Difficulties in providing support for patients and families” affected the deterioration of self-esteem and depression. “Support from colleagues and superior nurses,” “sense of accomplishment,” and “level of discretion” were found to reduce occupational stress, increase self-esteem, and prevent depression. Furthermore, the deterioration of self-esteem and depression affected each other.
Conclusion: It is important and effective to enhance support from colleagues and superior nurses, and to facilitate a sense of accomplishment and a high level of discretion by focusing on nursing practice in terms of relationships with patients and families.
