The effect of work stress, workload and social support on nurses' self-perceptions of parenting roles during the Covid-19 pandemic

AIMS

This study aims to investigate the effects of workload, work stress and social support on nurses' self-perceptions regarding their parenting roles in the Covid-19 pandemic and to examine the effect of nurse parents' sociodemographic characteristics on work stress and workload during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many challenges in the lives of nurses who are fighting at the forefront of the pandemic.

METHODS

One hundred ninety-eight nurse parents participated in the study conducted with a relational study design using an online questionnaire spread through social networks. 'The Nurse Parents Descriptive Information Form', 'The Swedish Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ)' and 'The Self-Perception of Parental Role Scale (SPPR)' were used for the study data.

RESULTS

A total of 90.9% of the participants are women. A significant difference was found between the spouse's job and the work stress and the work stress and workload (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants working during the day experienced less work stress and workload than those working at night. Working in the pandemic unit has increased work stress and workload.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers need to plan supportive approach activities so that nurses can use effective methods to manage work stress and heavy workload. In addition, nurse managers should pay attention to developing qualified care and treatment skills in crises such as pandemics, where the workload increases tremendously.

Fathers' experiences of living with cancer: a phenomenological study

There is a paucity of knowledge about fathers' experiences of cancer. This study explored the experiences of fathers diagnosed and living with cancer while also having parental responsibility for children. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach guided the study. Data were generated through 22 in-depth interviews with 10 fathers throughout Northern Ireland. The findings evidenced that fathers' identities are challenged and frequently re-shaped by the cancer experience, in many cases leading to an improved lifestyle behaviour. Heightened engagement with their children can provide a protective effect from the illness. On the other hand a lack of involvement led to frustration and low mood. The findings also demonstrated that father/child relationships were adversely affected by the social complexities that exist in the variances and diversity of fathers parenting roles and status. This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the complex relationships of fathers in non-traditional roles. It extends our understanding of how, when stereotyped gendered roles are ascribed to fathers it can impact on a fathers' ability to fulfil the traditional breadwinner's role. This is knowledge that will inform health care professionals and enable them to provide gendered-sensitive care that takes account of the masculine psychological responses that can shape the cancer experience.