Work-stress Related Factors & intention to leave among oncology nurses in Bahrain

Oncology nursing is a challenging profession characterized by high emotional and physical demands. Nurses in this field frequently encounter unique stressors that can adversely affect their well-being and job performance, leading to high turnover rates and compromised patient care. This study investigates the work stress and turnover intentions experienced by oncology nurses in a Bahrain oncology centre. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected from registered oncology nurses providing direct care to cancer patients through a convenience sampling method. Participants were recruited from various inpatient and ambulatory oncology units, and all eligible nurses were invited via email. The study utilized a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographic and professional characteristics, the Revised Nursing Stress Scale (RNSS) to evaluate stressors, and the Nurses' Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6) to assess turnover intentions. Ethical approval was obtained, ensuring participant anonymity and informed consent. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics and various statistical tests to explore relationships between variables. Results revealed significant work stress among oncology nurses, driven by factors such as high workloads, emotional demands, inadequate staffing, and ethical dilemmas. The findings highlight the critical nature of work stress in oncology nursing, underscoring its implications for both nurse well-being and patient care quality. Understanding the factors contributing to this stress is essential for developing effective interventions aimed at enhancing nurse resilience and improving care outcomes. This study emphasizes the need for further research and targeted strategies to mitigate work-related stress among oncology nurses.