Description

The Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) is an assessment tool used to measure the levels of stress experienced by nurses in their work environment. It was developed to expand the original Nursing Stress Scale (NSS), adding new dimensions to improve understanding of the factors contributing to stress. The ENSS focuses on factors such as workload, interpersonal relationships, working conditions, and emotional strain.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis from the ENSS includes:
Scoring: Questions are evaluated on a Likert scale, where nurses rate the intensity of their stress in various work situations. Higher scores indicate higher levels of stress.
Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive Statistics: Mean and standard deviation are used to determine levels of stress.
Correlation: The correlation between stress levels and factors such as age, experience, or the type of clinical unit is examined.
Comparative Analysis: Comparisons between different groups of nurses (e.g., based on experience or specialty) can reveal differences in stress levels.

Objective

The objective of the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale is to understand how nurses perceive stress in their work environment, identify the sources of stress, and provide data that can help improve the work environment and the mental health of nurses.

Calibration

Calibration of the ENSS includes the process of adapting the tool for use in different populations of nurses. This is achieved through:
Cross-Cultural Studies: The ENSS is tested in various cultural contexts to ensure its appropriateness.
Reliability Analysis: Techniques such as Cronbach’s alpha are used to ensure the consistency of the questions.
Validity Testing: It is tested to verify that the ENSS reflects the real experiences of nurses regarding work-related stress.

References

Gray-Toft, P., & Anderson, J. G. (1981). The Nursing Stress Scale: Development of an Instrument. Journal of Behavioral Assessment, 3(1), 11-23.
French, S. E., Lenton, R., Walters, V., & Eyles, J. (2000). An Empirical Evaluation of an Expanded Nursing Stress Scale. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 8(2), 161-178.
Yau, S. Y., Xiao, X., & Lee, L. Y. K. (2020). Work Stress and Occupational Health among Nurses in Hong Kong: Validation of the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 7933.