A newly licensed nurse was previously employed as a unit secretary on

QUESTION

A newly licensed nurse was previously employed as a unit secretary on the same unit where he now works as a staff nurse.

This role transition is causing the nurse to experience stress. What information about role stress and transition would be most helpful for this nurse to consider?
1. Role stress is limited to newly licensed nurses and won’t continue after the first year of employment.
2. Taking on multiple roles on the unit will be helpful, as it will broaden the nurse’s understanding of other people’s jobs.
3. Nursing standards of care are different in the “real world” situation than they are in a theoretical situation explained in nursing school.
4. Role stress can be decreased by receiving clear and consistent information about expectations of the new role.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 4

Role stress is made worse by role ambiguity, role conflict, role incongruity, role overload or underload, and by role over- or underqualification. Having clear and consistent information about expectations of the new role is helpful and combats role ambiguity. Taking on multiple roles can result in role ambiguity and overload. Nursing standards of care are universal and are not different in the “real world,” even though the standards may not be upheld by overworked, overstressed nurses. Role stress is not limited to newly licensed nurses and can occur at any time during a nurse’s career.