Experienced pediatric nurses' perceptions of work-related stressors on general medical and surgical units: A qualitative study.

Background: Experienced pediatric nurses caring for increasingly sick and vulnerable children on medical and surgical units may be at particular risk for work-related stress. In view of their positive impact on quality of care, and the fact that they are particularly difficult to retain, it is imperative to understand the work-related stressors these nurses encounter in order to develop effective organizational interventions to minimize stressors and promote retention.

Objective: To explore experienced pediatric nurses' perceptions of work-related stressors in medical and surgical units.