#3 Professional Nursing Roles

Describe Role Strain

-role strain is defined as an emotional reaction when role stress is not resolved. -role strain can be responsible for mental health issues, can have an effect on blood pressure, and nurses can be effected by working shifts and then coming home and family expects caregiving as well. -role strain can also be felt from relationships with colleagues, lack of control over jobs, time demands, and lack of support from the employer.

Identify sources and strategies for managing forms of role stress

Role Conflict - take short breaks, exercise, get adequate sleep, adjust work schedule for personal needs, or take a leave under the Family Medical Leave Act. Role Overload - delegate, follow-up, prioritize, make changes to physical environment Role Ambiguity - clearly define role, orientation, mentoring, identify and form relationships, review job description. Role Discrepancy - debriefing, clinical ladders, task analysis, get support from co-workers Role Incongruity - values clarification, empowerment, whistle blowing

Define role stress and its various forms

Role Stress- occurs when situations or aspects of the environment affect an individuals ability to carry out the perceived obligations of the role. Exacerbated when role functions do not match identity characteristics. Role Strain - an emotional reaction when role stress is not resolved Role Conflict - refers to the stress that occurs when an individual feels required to meet the obligations of 2 different roles at the same time.(ex: caring for your sick grandmother) Role Overload - occurs where time and resources allotted for a given role are insufficient to meet role expectations. Role Ambiguity - when obligations and privileges of a given role are not clearly defined. Role Discrepancy - occurs when an individuals conception of a role is different than the actual obligation of the role. Role Incongruity - when obligations of the role come into conflict with the nurses own values

Discuss the impact of assuming multiple roles experienced by the professional nurse

balancing multiple roles involves both role segmentation (avoiding any blending of personal and professional roles) and role integration(movement between roles is fluid). The multiple roles a nurse experiences at work are caregiver, colleague, manager, educator, mentor, researcher, and advocate. The impact of assuming multiple roles can lead to role stress and role strain, lack of sleep, juggling demands of home and work, being present and free from distractions.