An investigation to determine the perceived social support of professional nurses working in a psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape

Abstract

Globally, workplace stress has been reported as having deleterious effects on workers. Professional nurses, working in a psychiatric hospital with patients suffering from mental illnesses, may present with signs and symptoms related to anxiety, depression, persistent chronic stress and burnout. Social support plays an important role in the lives of professional nurses, who face challenges while working within a stressful environment. In addition, social support enhances the level of job performance, reduces the level of job stress and improves work commitment among mental health nurses. Without adequate social support in the workplace, stress has negative effects on both professional nurses and patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived social support of professional nurses, working in a psychiatric hospital, in the Western Cape. The objective formulated to achieve the aim, was to determine the social support received by professional nurses from family, significant others and friends. A quantitative approach, using a descriptive, survey design was used to obtain data from an all-inclusive sample of 110 professional nurses.