Publication:

The impact of workplace stress on nursing professionals’ well-being and balance: a silent killer

Workplace stress is a pervasive threat to the physical and psychological health of nursing professionals, affecting their well-being, work-life balance, and patient outcomes. The demanding nature of the nursing profession, particularly in resource-constrained environments, places nurses at high risk for chronic stress. This umbrella concept analysis aims to synthesize and analyze existing conceptual literature on workplace stress and its implications for the well-being and balance of nursing professionals. A systematic umbrella review methodology was employed, retrieving reviews and concept analyses from five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science). A total of 43 eligible studies (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and concept analyses) published between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed. Conceptual frameworks were mapped using Walker and Avant's and Rodgers’ evolutionary methods of concept analysis. Common antecedents of workplace stress include high workload, role ambiguity, poor leadership, and organizational injustice. Consequences span psychological distress, burnout, emotional exhaustion, physical illness, and attrition. Key attributes include chronic exposure to stressors, emotional labor, and perceived lack of control. Interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, improved leadership, and supportive work environments show moderate success. Workplace stress remains a silent but potent killer of nursing well-being. Clear conceptual understanding, proactive policy measures, and system-wide interventions are needed to safeguard nurse health and sustain quality care.