Experiences, Perceptions, and Coping Patterns of Emergency Department Nurses with Occupational Stressors in Saudi Arabian Hospitals: Mixed-Method Study

Abstract: Extended working hours, a complicated workplace environment, and engagement in
numerous physical and psychological stressors have been associated with the stressful nature of
the nursing profession. Only a few studies have provided some insight into workplace stress and
coping strategies adopted by nurses in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. Therefore, this
study utilized a mixed-method design to explore the numerous factors that lead to stress among
emergency nurses, their experience and perception of stress, and the coping mechanisms they find
useful. A survey containing four domains and 86 items was adapted, pilot tested, and validated. The
quantitative phase recruited 296 nurses who returned completed questionnaires, and then 21 nurses
were interviewed for the qualitative phase. In total, 89.5% (n = 265) of the participants were female,
51% (n = 151) were aged 20–29 years, 83% (n = 246) were non-Saudi nationals, 49% (n = 145) were
married, and 82% (n = 245) had a bachelor’s degree. The most common causes of occupational stress
were work overload, personnel shortages, and inadequate pay. The qualitative phase data revealed
five primary themes, including increased workload, rising living costs despite equal compensation,
and staff shortages as main stressors. In addition, the study found that praying and spending quality
time with friends are the primary coping techniques among nurses. The study results contribute to
a better understanding of nurses’ working conditions in the emergency department. Additionally,
they may contribute to the development of policies and practice reforms to improve Saudi nurses’
well-being, health, and overall work experience.