33

Chapter 4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter contains presentation, analysis and interpretation of the result of the study. The data gathered were statistically tested, analyzed and interpreted on specific study questions.
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

Age 40- 44 yrs old 35- 39 yrs old 30- 34 yrs old 25- 29 yrs old 20- 24 yrs old

Table 1.1 AGE Frequency Percentage 2 5.71% 7 20% 6 17.14% 12 34.29% 8 22.86% Total= 35 100%

Rank 5 3 4 1 2

Table 1.1 presents the frequency and percentage distribution of the staff nurses of service areas in FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of age. Of the total 35 respondents, 2 (5.71%) among the staff nurses are 40-44 years old, 7 (20%) are 35-39 years old, 6 (17.14%) are 30-34 years old, 12 (34.29%) are 25-29 years old and 8 (22.86%) respondents are aged 20-24 years old.

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The above data indicates that the majority of the respondents are ranging from 25- 29 years old. This means that most of the staff nurses belong to the young adult population and has less than 10 years of experience in being a staff nurse.

Gender Male Female

Table 1.2 Gender Frequency Percentage 9 25.71% 26 74.29% Total= 35 100%

Rank 2 1

Table 1.2 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the staff nurses of service areas in FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of gender. The above data indicates that there are more females who took up the survey. This also indicates that there are more females working as staff nurses in FEU-NRMF Medical Center than that of males. This is subsequently because there are more females taking up the nursing course than males. Through this data, we can conclude that nursing is a female dominated course.

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Civil Status Married Single

Table 1.3 Civil Status Frequency Percentage 11 31.43% 24 68.57% Total= 35 100%

Rank 2 1

Table 1.3 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the staff nurses of service areas in FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of civil status. The above data shows that there are more correspondents who are single than those who are married. Table 1.4 Length of Service as Staff Nurse Frequency Percentage 2 5.71% 3 8.57% 10 28.57% 20 57.14% Total= 28 100%

Years 15 and above 10-14 yrs 5- 9 yrs 0- 4 yrs

Rank 4 3 2 1

Table 1.4 shows frequency and percentage distribution of the staff nurses of service areas in FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of their length of service as staff nurse. With the total of 35 respondents, 2 (5.71%) of them are staff nurses 15 years and above from now, these staff nurses are very satisfied with the privileges they get from their hospital theyve been

36

working. 3 (8.57%) respondents are 10-14 years working as a staff nurse and they are gratified with their work. Majority of the respondents are working as staff nurse for less than 10 years. 10 (28.57%) respondents are working for 5- 9 years and more than half of the respondents, 20 (57.14%), have just started working for 04years.

Hours 8

Table 1.5 Average Number of Hours per Shift Frequency Percentage 35 100% Total= 35 100%

Rank 1

Table 1.5 shows frequency and percentage distribution of the staff nurses of service areas in FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of the average number of hours they are working per shift. All of the respondents indicated that the average number of hours they work per shift is 8 hours.

2. What are the distressors experienced by the staff nurses that

affect their performance towards quality nursing care?

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Table 2 Frequency Distribution of the Responses in Terms of Distressors Experienced by Staff Nurses at FEU-NRMF Medical Center Frequency Percentage Distressors Rank (f) (%) 1. Dealing with uncooperative 30 85.71% 1 patient 2. Unreasonable demand of 26 74.29% 4 patient 3. Performing procedures that 12 34.29% 12 are painful to the patient 4. Feeling helpless in the case of 15 42.86% 9 a patient who fails to improve
5. Watching patient suffering 6. Dealing with death and dying 7. Skipped meals because of work overload 8. Handling patient families 9. Working closely with infectious diseases 10. Difficulty with working with conurses 11. Understaffing 12. Rotating shift work 13. Dealing with unbecoming attitudes of patients toward nurses 14. Inadequate rest 15. Giving physical care to unhygienic patient TOTAL

15 13 29 15 18 14 19 7 21 28 16 278

42.86% 37.14% 82.86% 42.86% 51.43% 40% 54,29% 20% 60% 80% 45.71% 52.95%

9 11 2 9 7 10 6 13 5 3 8

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Table 2 presents the frequency distribution of distressors experienced by staff nurses at FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of their perceived effects towards quality nursing care. The table shows that among the distressors, dealing with uncooperative patient ranked 1 as the most stressful with 30 out of 35 responses (85.71%). Of the 35 respondents, 29 (82.86%) find skipped meals because of work overload as a distressor; 28 (80%) experience inadequate rest as a distressor; 26 (74.29%) find unreasonable demands of patients stressful; 19 (54.29%) see understaffing as a cause of distress; 18 (51.43%) claim that working with infectious diseases is a distressor; 16 (45.71%) find giving physical care to unhygienic patient as a distressor; 15 (42.86%) respondents find watching patient suffer, feeling helpless in the case of patient fails to improve and skipped meals because of work overload respectively; 14 (40%) find it distressful to have difficulties in dealing with co-workers; 13 (37.14%) find dealing with death and dying as a distressor; 12 (34.29%) experience performing procedures that are painful to the patient as a distressor and 7 (20%) find rotating shift work stressful. Distressors involving direct patient interactions are the most striking cause of distress among the respondents followed by those that are involving inadequate self-care. These activities significantly cause them distress that can affect quality of nursing care they render to their patients.

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3. What are the effects of distressors as perceived by the staff nurses?

Table 3 Frequency and Mean Distribution of responses on the effects of distressors experienced by staff nurses at FEU-NRMF Medical Center

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Perceived Effects of Distressors 1. Fatigue 2. Inattention 3. Sleep deprivation 4. Emotional instability 5. Feeling of irritation 6. Anxiety and depression 7. Worrying too much about significant things 8. Finding it hard to concentrate or focus
9. Feeling of missing opportunities because of not being able to act quickly

Weighted Mean 4.03 3.23 3.57 2.39 3.14 2.8 3.26 2.91 2.91 2.77 2.86 2.37 2.89 2.37 2.2
WAM* = 2.72

Verbal Interpretation
TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A LITTLE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A LITTLE EXTENT TO A LITTLE EXTENT

Rank 1 4 2 11 5 9 3 6 6 10 8 12 7 12 13

10. Frizzy/unclear thinking 11. Increased susceptibility to illness 12. Absenteeism 13. Changes in food consumption 14. Substance abuse 15. Resignation from work

TO A MODERATE EXTENT**

*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

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Table 3 presents the frequency distribution of the effects of distressors experienced by staff nurses at FEU-NRMF Medical Center in terms of their perceived effects towards quality nursing care. This table shows that among the effects of distressors, fatigue is ranked 1st with a WM (Weighted Mean) of 4.03 and a verbal interpretation of Great extent. This means that fatigue, among the other effects of distressors, is the one most commonly experienced by the respondents. From the responses of staff n urses, sleep deprivation got a WM of 3.57 with a verbal interpretation of Great extent and ranked 2nd as most common effects of distressors; worrying too much about significant things got a WM of 3.26 with a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent ranking 3rd; Inattention ranked 4th with a WM of 3.23 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent; Feeling of irritation ranked 5th with WM of 3.14 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent; Finding it hard to focus and feeling of missing opportunities because of not being able to act quickly both ranked 6th with the same WM of 2.91 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent; Changes consumption got in food a WM of 2.89 with a verbal interpretation of

Moderate extent which ranked 7th; Increased susceptibility to illness got a WM of 2.86 with a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent ranking 8th; Anxiety and depression ranked 9th with a WM equaling to 2.8 with a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent;

42

Frizzy or unclear thinking got a WM equaling to 2.77 with a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent; Emotional instability with a WM of 2.39 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent ranked 11 as most commonly experienced; Absenteeism and substance abuse shared the 12th ranking with both having a WM of 2.37 with a verbal interpretation of Little extent; Resignation from work got the lowest WM of 2.2 with verbal interpretation of Little extent and is ranked last. This means that resignation from work the effect of stress least experience by nurses. Most physical and mental effects of stress ranked highest meaning these effects are the most commonly experienced among the nurses like fatigue, sleep deprivation and worrying too much. The least experienced by nurses are absenteeism, substance abuse and resignation from work. This is maybe due to the nature of their work as health care providers in the medical field. Overall, the WAM (Weighted Average Mean) is equal to 2.72 with an overall verbal interpretation of Moderate extent which indicates that the effects of stress are generally experienced by the respondents on a moderate extent.

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IV.

What is the level of distressors experienced by the staff nurses affecting their performance towards quality nursing care as to:

Table 4.1 Frequency and Mean Distribution of the Responses on level of distressors experienced by the staff nurses affecting their performance towards quality nursing in terms of Physical Factors Weighted Verbal Physical Factors Rank Mean Interpretation To a Moderate 1. Easily getting sick. 2.6 3 extent 2. Not being able to function well To a Moderate 3.4 1 on other activities after work. extent 3. Unpredictable onset of pain To a Moderate 2.7 2 like headache extent 4. Putting on some weight. 2.4 WAM*=2.78 To a Little extent TO A MODERATE EXTENT** 4

*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 4.1 presents the frequency and mean distribution of responses on the level of distressors regarding physical factors. This table shows that the physical factors affect stress among the respondents on a Moderate extent with a WAM (Weighted Average Mean) of 2.78. Meaning, physical factors have a significant effect on the level of distress experienced by staff nurses. The WM (Weighted

44

Mean) for the stress caused by Not being able to function well on other activities after work is 3.4 with a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent. This means that there are activities outside work that are important for the respondents to perform. Not being able to perform these activities is stressful for them on a moderate extent. Experiencing unpredictable onset of pain like headache got a WM=2.7 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent making it rank 2nd. This indicates that experiencing unpredictable painful episodes cause stress on the respondents on a moderate level which means situations like these are easily handled by staff nurses. Easily getting sick got a WM=2.6 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent. This means that the stress caused by getting sick easily can be managed by the staff nurses on a moderate scale this may be due to the fact that they are involved in the healthcare providing industry. Nurses may have the tendency to get sick, but since they are knowledgeable in the medical field, they manage the signs and symptoms they experience based on the standards of their education. Putting on some weight ranked as the least stressful physical factor with a WM of 2.4 and a verbal interpretation of Little extent. This indicates that this physical factor does not affect the level of distress experienced by nurses. Nurses need energy to perform their duties and responsibilities in the hospital due to the nature of their work which requires them to use all their energy including their physical, mental and emotional energy.

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Table 4.2 Frequency and Mean Distribution of the Responses on level of distressors experienced by the staff nurses affecting their performance towards quality nursing in terms of Environmental Factors Weighted Verbal Environmental Factors Rank Mean Interpretation 1. Not being able to get peace and quiet 3.71 To a Great extent 1 when getting home from work. 2. Not being able to sleep when getting home from duty because of normal To a Moderate 2.71 2 situation at home (e.g. noisy extent neighborhood). 3. Travel time between house and work To a Moderate 2.54 3 cause more exhaustion. extent TO A WAM*=2.99 MODERATE EXTENT**
*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 4.2 presents the frequency and mean distribution of responses on the level of distressors regarding environmental factors. This table shows that the environmental factors affecting the level of distress among the respondents on a Moderate extent wi th a WAM (Weighted Average Mean) of 2.99. This means that environmental factors have a discernible effect on the level of distress experienced by the respondents on a moderate note. Ranking 1st among the environmental factors as the most stressful is Not being able to get peace and quiet when getting home from

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work with a WM of 3.71 and verbal interpretation of Great Extent followed by Not being able to sleep when getting home from duty because of normal situation at home (e.g. noisy neighborhood) wit h WM=2.71 and verbal interpretation Moderate extent -- indicating that the respondents need peace and quiet when they get home from work to be able to get enough rest and sleep enabling them to perform well on their duties and responsibilities both inside and outside workplace. This means that an environment not conducive for rest or sleep causes an elevation on the level of distress experienced by staff nurses. Travel time between house and work cause more exhaustion received a WM=2.54 and a verbal interpretation Moderate extent. This indicates that travel time influences level of distress among the respondents depending on how far they live from their workplace.

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Table 4.3 Frequency and Mean Distribution of the Responses on level of distressors experienced by the staff nurses affecting their performance towards quality nursing in terms of Organizational Factors Weighted Verbal Organizational Factors Rank Mean Interpretation 1. Experiencing mixing up names of medications and said orders in the 2.22 To a Little Extent 3 area because of loss of concentration. 2. Daydreaming and spacing out during 2.34 To a Little Extent 2 working hours 3. Feeling unmotivated in attending other To a Moderate 2.71 1 activities after work. Extent TO A LITTLE WAM*=2.42 EXTENT**
*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 4.3 presents the frequency and mean distribution of responses on the level of distressors regarding organizational factors. This table shows that organizational factors affect the level of distress experienced by staff nurses on a Little extent with a WAM (Weighted Average Mean) equaling to 2.42. This means that organizational factors only have a slight effect on the level of distress experienced by staff nurses. Feeling unmotivated in attending other activities after work got a WM=2.71 with a verbal interpretation of Moderate extent making it rank 1st. This indicates that work can affect the personal activities after work. The nature of

48

work of nurses cause a huge amount of stress, which can make them feel unmotivated in engaging with activities (work-related or not) after hours of duty. Finding the balance in work and personal life can be a challenge in nurses. Among the three organizational factors, Experiencing mixing up names of medications and said orders in the area because of loss of concentration obtained the lowest mean rating of 2.22, with the verbal interpretation of Little extent. This is followed by item I sometimes found myself or even my colleague notice that I dream and space out during non-working moment ranking 2nd as the most stressful, which has a weighted mean of 2.34, with a verbal interpretation of Little extent. These items show the capabilities of the nurse to keep on task and limit mistakes during work. The performances of nurses are unhindered by distressors and prove that correct and focused patient care is of importance.

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Table 4.4 Frequency and Mean Distribution of the Responses on level of distressors experienced by the staff nurses affecting their performance towards quality nursing in terms of Emotional Factors Weighted Verbal Emotional Factors Rank Mean Interpretation 1. Getting easily irritated and annoyed especially when not 3.14 To a Moderate Extent 1 getting enough sleep. 2. Breaking down when encountering problems at home 2.45 To a Little Extent 3 or outside work. 3. Being moody. 2.8 To a Moderate Extent 2 TO A MODERATE WAM*=2.8 EXTENT**
*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 4.4 presents the frequency and mean distribution of responses on the level of distressors regarding emotional factors.

This table shows that emotional factors affect the level of distress experienced by the respondents on a Moderate extent with a WAM (Weighted Average Mean) equaling to 2.8. Getting easily irritated and annoyed especially when not getting enough sleep ranked 1st as the most stressful emotional factor with a WM=3.14 and a verbal interpretation Moderate extent. With lack of sleep, the body is not able to fully recover and will not function to optimum level. This can lead to nurses more susceptible to illnesses

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and distresses. It is important for nurses to have adequate sleep to be at optimum health. Being moody received a WM=2.8 with a verbal interpretation Moderate extent making it rank 2 nd. This

indicates that being moody can affect the level of stress experienced by nurses significantly. It may affect the quality of nursing care they render depending on the mood they are feeling. Not being able to render effective nursing care will cause more work for nurses which will in turn cause more stress. Breaking down when encountering problems at home or outside work is ranked as the least stressful with a WM=2.45 which is verbally interpreted as Little extent. This indicates that problems at home or outside work only affect the level of distress experienced by the respondents on a little extent. This shows nurses can keep their composure and deal with the stresses outside of the work place without affecting the quality of work they produce. Nurses can focus on their job and deal with their personal problems at the same time.

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V.

What strategies being adopted by the staff nurses to cope with the level of distress affecting their performance towards quality nursing care?

Table 5.1 Frequency and Mean Distribution of responses on strategies being adopted by the staff nurses to cope with the level of distress affecting their performance towards quality nursing care in terms of Hobbies and Leisure Activities Hobbies and Weighted Leisure Time Verbal Interpretation Rank Mean Activities Watching television 4.14 To a Great Extent 2 To a Very Great Listening to music 4.77 1 Extent Reading 3.11 To a Moderate Extent 5 Playing 3.63 To a Great Extent 4 games/sports Surfing the internet 3.80 To a Great Extent 3 TO A GREAT WAM*=3.89 EXTENT**
*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 5.1 shows that coping mechanisms to handle stress in terms of hobbies and leisure activities attained an overall mean of 3.89, corresponding to To a Great Extent interpretation. This shows that the staff nurses use their free time to do what they want to do and what they almost do. Among the five items, item with the text Listening to music obtained the highest rating of 4.77. This was followed by items Watching television with 4.14, Surfing the

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internet with 3.80, and Playing games or sports with 3.63. All of which represents a descriptive interpretation of To a Great Extent. This was also followed by Reading with 3.11 which has a descriptive interpretation of To a Moderate Extent. Staff nurses have activities for pleasure and relaxation. These activities are usually connected to what they enjoy. These things can often lead staff nurses to use and distribute their energy properly in order to render effective nursing care to their clients.

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Table 5.2 Frequency and Mean Distribution of responses on strategies being adopted by the staff nurses to cope with the level of distress affecting their performance towards quality nursing care in terms of Self-Care Activities Weighted Self-Care Activities Verbal Interpretation Rank Mean Practicing positive 3.60 To a Great Extent 4 thinking Prioritizing and putting 3.80 To a Great Extent 2 limitations at work Develop a sense of 3.70 To a Great Extent 3 humor Sleeping out for a while 3.80 To a Great Extent 2 Changes in diet 4.20 To a Great Extent 1 Exercise 3.21 To a Moderate Extent 5 TO A GREAT WAM*=3.69 EXTENT**
*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 5.2 shows that coping mechanisms to handle stress in terms of self-care activities obtained an overall mean of 3.69, with a verbal interpretation of To a Great Extent. This shows that staff nurses commonly restore, develop, or maintain their skills necessary to cope up with stress. Among the six items, item with the text Changes in diet obtained the highest mean rating of 4.20. This was followed by items Prioritizing and putting limitations at work and Sleeping out for a while both of which have a weighted mean of 3.80, then Develop a sense of humor which has weighted mean

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of 3.70, and Practicing positive thinking which has a weighted mean of 3.60. All of which represents verbal interpretation of To a Great Extent. Item with the text Exercise has the least weighted mean of 3.21 with a verbal interpretation of To a Moderate Extent. Self-care activities can empower nurses by giving them the knowledge and the tools to be able to cope with stress.

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Table 5.3 Frequency and Mean Distribution of responses on strategies being adopted by the staff nurses to cope with the level of distress affecting their performance towards quality nursing care in terms of Social Support Weighted Social Support Verbal Interpretation Rank Mean Arbitrary staff meeting 3.14 To a Moderate Extent 4 Generating emotional 2.91 To a Moderate Extent 5 support Expressing frustrations and troubles to significant 3.60 To a Great Extent 3 others Use of social networking 3.71 To a Great Extent 2 sites Spending time with 4.05 To a Great Extent 1 family/friends TO A MODERATE WAM*=3.48 EXTENT** *WAM Weighted Average Mean
**4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 5.3 shows that coping mechanisms to handle stress in terms of social support obtained an overall mean of 3.48, with a verbal interpretation of To a Moderate Extent. This indicates that staff nurses can cope enough with stress through resources provided by other people significant to them. Among the five items, the item Spending time with family or friends obtained the highest mean rating of 4.05. This was followed by items with the statement

56

Use of social networking sites which has a weighted mean of 3.71, and Expressing frustrations and troubles to significant others which has a weighted mean of 3.60. All of the first 3 items has a verbal interpretation of To a Great Extent. This was followed by items with the statement Arbitrary staff meeting which has a weighted mean of 3.14, and Generating emotional support which has a weighted mean of 2.91, both of which have a verbal interpretation of To a Moderated Extent. Social support is the

perception and actuality that one is cared for, has assistance available from other people, and that one is part of a supportive social network. Social support can come from a variety of different sources. For example, spouses, relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, superiors. With social support, nurses are able to cope up with situation, make them feel better about themselves by raising their sense of self-esteem, reaffirm their association or sense of belonging to a group, or improves their ability or competence to perform needed tasks.

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Table 5.4 Frequency and Mean Distribution of responses on strategies being adopted by the staff nurses to cope with the level of distress affecting their performance towards quality nursing care in terms of Maladaptive Behavior Weighted Maladaptive Behavior Verbal Interpretation Rank Mean Doing work only for the 2.63 To a Moderate Extent 1 sake of finishing it Not talking with people at 2.00 To a Little Extent 2 work Resignation from work 1.83 To a Little Extent 3 TO A LITTLE WAM*=2.15 EXTENT**
*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

Table 5.4 shows that coping mechanisms to handle stress in terms of maladaptive behavior obtained an overall mean of 2.15, with a descriptive interpretation of To a Little Extent. This presents that staff nurses rarely use behavior that reduce one's anxiety, but the result is dysfunctional and non-productive. Among the three items, item Doing work only for the sake of finishing it ranked first which has weighted mean of 2.63 with a verbal interpretation of To a Moderate Extent. This was followed by items with the statement Not talking with people at work with a weighted mean of 2.00 and Resignation from work with a weighted mean of 1.83. Both have a

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verbal interpretation of To a Little Extent. Maladaptive behaviors inhibit a nurses ability to adjust to particular situations.

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VI.

How effective are the strategies being adopted by the nurses in helping them cope with the distressors affecting their performance towards quality nursing care?

Table 6 Frequency and Mean Distribution of responses on the effectiveness of the strategies being adopted by staff nurses to cope with the level of distress affecting their performance toward quality care

Effectiveness of coping mechanisms 1. Dealing with uncooperative patient 2. Unreasonable demand of patient 3. Performing procedures that are painful to the patient
4. Feeling helpless in the case of a patient who fails to improve

Weighted Mean 3.54 3.57 3.05 3.17 3.05 3.14 4.4 3.24 3.25

Verbal Interpretation
TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A AMODERATE EXTENT TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT

Rank 3 2 11 8 11 9 1 6 5

5. Watching patient suffering 6. Dealing with death and dying 7. Skipped meals because of work overload 8. Handling patient families 9. Working closely with infectious diseases

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10. Difficulty with working with co-nurses 11. Understaffing 12. Rotating shift work
13. Dealing with unbecoming attitudes of patients toward nurses

3.2 3.14 2.89 3.57 3.5 3.11 WAM**= 3.32

TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A GREAT EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT TO A MODERATE EXTENT**

7 9 12 2 4 10

14. Inadequate rest 15. Giving physical care to unhygienic patient

*WAM Weighted Average Mean **4.50 5.00 To a very great extent; 3.50 4.49 To a great extent; 2.50 3.49 To a moderate extent; 1.50 2.49 To a little extent; 1.00 1.49 Not at all

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Tables 6 shows the frequency and mean distribution of the responses on the effectiveness of the strategies adopted by the respondents in coping with the distressors they experience that affect their performance toward quality nursing care. This table shows that the coping mechanisms being adopted by the staff nurses are most effective on the stress caused when they skip meals because of work overload with a WM equal to 4.4 with a verbal interpretation of Great extent making it rank 1 st. This means that the stress they get from skipping meals is easily alleviated using the coping mechanisms that are presented in tables 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4. From the responses of the staff nurses, Unreasonable demand of patient and Dealing with unbecoming attitudes of patients toward nurses both ranked 2nd with the same WM of 3.57 and a verbal interpretation of Great extent meaning that the stress caused by these situations are easily managed by the respondents with the use of the coping mechanisms; Dealing with uncooperative patient got a WM of 3.54 and a verbal interpretation of Great extent ranking 3rd; Inadequate rest received a WM of 3.5 with a verbal interpretation of Great extent making it rank 4th; Working closely with infectious diseases with WM=3.25, Handling patient families with WM=3.24 and Difficulty working with co-nurses with WM=3.2 are all verbally interpreted as Moderate extent ranking them 5th, 6th and 7th respectively; Ranking 8th is Feeling helpless in the case of a patient who fails to improve with a WM equal to 3.17 and a verbal interpretation of Moderate

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extent; Dealing with death and dying and Understaffing both received a WM of 3.14 which is verbally interpreted as Moderate extent, sharing the 9th rank; Giving physical care to unhygienic patient ranked 10th with a WM equal to 3.11 and verbal interpretation of Moderate extent; Both in the 11 th rank are Performing procedures and watching patient suffering having the same WM=3.05 and verbal interpretation of Moderate extent; Ranked least is Rotating shift work with WM=2.89 and verbal interpretation of Moderate extent. This means that among the distressors, stress caused by rotating shift work is the most difficult to manage using the stress-relief techniques that are interpreted in table 5.1-5.4. Overall, the WAM (Weighted Average Mean) is equal to 3.32 which is verbally interpreted as Moderate extent. This indicates that the coping mechanisms discussed in the 5th study question are moderately effective on the stress caused by the distressors enumerated in table 2.