STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AMONG NURSING PROFESSIONALS

IN HOSPITALS ON

Submitted by

MOHAMED RAIYAN.K - SA24MP029

DEEPAN.S - SA24PM009
HARESH. U.J - SA24PM017
HARIPRIYA. S - SA2 4 PM0 3 7
HATSHAYA. R - SA2 4 PM0 3 8
This is to certify that the report is a Bonafide work of MOHAMED RAIYAN.K
(SA24PM029), DEEPAN.S (SA24PM009), HARESH.U. J (SA24PM017),
HARIPRIYA.S (SA24PM037), HATSHAYA.R (SA24PM038) who had carried out the
work and the
report is prepared under my supervision.

Signature of Faculty Director School of

Management
Dr. Yabesh Abraham Durairaj Is Ravel Dr. Viji. R
NAME OF THE COURSE:
FACULTY NAME MR. NARAYANANSWAMI. P. S
BRANCH- MBA
YEAR/SEMESTER: I/II

REGISTER NUMBER NAME

SA24PM029 MOHAMED RAIYAN. K

SA24PM009 DEEPAN. S

SA24PM017 HARESH. U. J

SA24PM037 HARIPRIYA. S

SA24PM038 HATSHAYA. R
The successful and final outcome of learning required a lot of guidance and
assistance from many people and we extremely privileged to have SA college of
arts and science got this all along the completion of our project. All that we have
done is only due to such supervision and assistance and we should not forget to
thank them.

We respect and thank the honourable correspondent of the college Mr

Venkatesh Raja for providing us the opportunity to do the work study and
giving us all the support guidance which allowed us to complete study duly
on time.

We owe the gratitude to our direct Dr V. Say Sathyavathi and are beloved
principal Dr Malathi Selvakumar who paved the way to complete this work study
in

successful manner.

We heartily thank Dr Viji. R director school of management who took keen

interest on our project work and guided us all along till the completion of a work
study by providing all necessary information for developing a good system.

We also express our sincere gratitude to a faculty Mr. D. JAMES BINNY of school
of management who elevated her valuable time and knowledge in guiding us, in
spite of her busy schedule in work.

We are thanking to and fortunate enough to get constant encouragement, support

and guidance from our family members which helped us successfully completing
a project work.
CHAPTER- I INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER -II ADVANTAGES 6

CHAPTER-III DISADVANTAGES 9

CHAPTER-IV COMPANY PROFILE 12

CHAPTER-V FINDINGS 18

CHAPTER-IV SUGGESTIONS 20

CHAPTER- -VII REFERENCES 22

CHAPTER-XI CONCLUSSION 24
 CHAPTER – I
INTRODUCTION
 1

The stress is a condition of strain on one’s emotions, thought processes, and

physical condition. When it is excessive, it can threaten one’s ability to cope with the
environment. “Stress” is the general term applied to the pressures people feel in life.
Stress is usually thought of in negative terms. It is thought to be caused by
something bad (e.g. a loved one is seriously ill, or the boss given a formal reprimand
for poor

performance).

This is form of distress. But there is also a positive, pleasant side of stress
caused by good things (e.g. a college student gets placement through campus
interview or an employee is offered a job promotion). This is a form of eustress.
This latter from the Greek eu, which means “good”. Stress is defined as an adaptive

response to an external situation that results in physical, psychological, and /

or behavioral deviations for organizational participants.

》 Emotional instability – anger

》 Feelings of inability to cope
》 Uncooperative attitudes – hatred

》 Nervousness and tension

》 Chronic Worry
》 Inability to relax
》 Problems with sleep

》 High blood pressure

》 Digestive problems
》 Excessive use of alcohol and / or smoking

Stress may affect any employee, whether the employee is a manager or a

worker, young or old. Stress can be either temporary or long-range, depending
mostly on how long its causes continue and how strong the employee’s recovery
powers are. Problems occur especially when stress is sustained for a period of
time, because then the body is prevented from rebuilding its ability cope with
stress.
However, if stress is temporary and mild, most people can recover rather quickly.

Stress may occur in two forms. They are frustration and anxiety.

Frustration occurs when a motivated drive is blocked before a person

reaches a desired goal. The following figure illustrates what happens. The barrier
maybe
either Overt (Physical) or Covert (Mental – socio -psychological). An example of a
frustrating situation might be that of a thirst person who comes up against a
stuck door and is prevented from reaching a water fountain. Examples of
frustration
include a salesman continuously failing to reach the target, a professor continuously
applying for a promotion and failing to get it or to get subordinates to act

according to our wishes.

Anxiety is a feeling of inability and helplessness in formulating appropriate

responses or

plans for dealing with the anticipated negative outcomes. It occurs when a
decision has to be

made but the outcome of the decision could have positive as well as negative

consequences.

Anxiety also occurs when all your options result in undesirable consequences.
For example, if
you are working with a company for a long time and have built roots in the
community were

you live and your company is moving to a different far -off location and you have
the choice of

either moving with the company or losing the job. Both of these alternatives
make you feel

uncomfortable and hence become a cause of anxiety.

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The stressors affecting today’s employees are as follows:

》 Extra -organizational Stressors

》 Organizational Stressors

》 Group Stressors
》 Individual Stressors

The following are the major techniques to overcome the stress:

Practicing mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without

judgment. Meditation, evenjust 5 – 10 minutes a day, can reduce stress by calming
the mind and body. Techniques like guided meditation, body scans, or deep
breathing exercises (e.g., box breathing) help relieve tension.

Regular exercise, like walking, running, yoga, or swimming, releases

endorphins, which improve mood and decrease stress. Even short breaks of
stretching or walking throughout the day can refresh the mind and alleviate stress.

Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and breaking large projects into
smaller steps can make workloads feel more manageable. Using tools like
calendars or task lists helps to avoid last-minute stress.

A balanced diet, proper hydration, and adequate sleep contribute to

resilience against stress. Limiting caffeine and sugar, especially in the afternoon
and evening, helps avoid mood swings and improves sleep quality.
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Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide

emotional support and alternative perspectives on stressors. Sharing concerns
with others often provides relief, making issues feel more manageable.

Practices like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or

guided imagery can help shift the body into a state of relaxation. Techniques
like

aromatherapy, warm baths, or listening to calming music can also

promote relaxation.

Writing about daily events or concerns can help organize thoughts and release

emotions.

Keeping a gratitude journal to note positive experiences can shift focus away from
stressors.

Setting boundaries for social media or news can reduce exposure to

potentially distressing content. Practicing assertiveness and learning to say “no”
to additional obligations also helps reduce stress.

Replacing negative thoughts with positive, constructive self-talk can help

shift a stressful mindset. Affirmations or cognitive reframing can encourage a
more
optimistic outlook.

Therapists or counselors can help explore deeper sources of stress,

teach coping strategies, and offer support. Support groups or stress
management
workshops can also be beneficial for those needing guidance.

CHAPTER-I
ADVANTAGES
OF STRESS MANAGEMENT
 6

Effective stress management has a range of advantages that benefit both mental
and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Here are some key
benefits:

Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making

the body more susceptible to illnesses. Managing stress reduces the risk of
conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and other stress -related ailments.

Stress management can reduce insomnia and improve

sleep quality, which is essential for physical recovery and maintaining energy
levels.

Managing stress can help lower

anxiety levels and decrease the likelihood of depression by promoting positive
coping

strategies.

Practicing stress management techniques

enhances your ability to handle challenges and adapt to difficult situations.

High stress levels can impair memory and

concentration, but reducing stress helps maintain cognitive sharpness and
enhances decision -making skills.
 When stress is managed,
the brain has more mental resources available for creative thinking and problem
-
solving.

Stress can lead to irritability and

misunderstandings, affecting personal and professional relationships.
Managing stress promotes more open and calm communication.

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Lower stress levels help you be
more present, patient, and understanding, which strengthens bonds with
others.

Stress management helps maintain focus

and energy levels, which can boost productivity in work, studies, and other
areas.

With effective stress management, it

becomes easier to allocate time and energy between work and personal life,
leading to more fulfillment in both areas.

Managing stress can improve overall mood and

reduce irritability, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

Lower stress helps you stay in control of your

emotions and reactions, reducing impulsive or reactive behavior.

People who manage stress effectively are

more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, like exercising regularly, eating
well, and avoiding excessive use of substances.
 Ultimately, managing stress contributes to
a better quality of life and a sense of fulfillment by helping people focus on
what

matters most.

CHAPTER-I
DISADVANTAGES
OF STRESS MANAGEMENT
9
While effective stress management has many benefits, there can be some
challenges or potential downsides, especially if the methods chosen are ineffective,

unsustainable, or inappropriate for a person’s unique needs. Here are some

potential disadvantages:

Stress management techniques, like mindfulness,

meditation, or exercise, require time and dedication, which maybe difficult
to maintain for people with busy schedules.

Some methods, such as meditation or therapy, may take time

to show benefits, leading to frustration for those seeking quick relief.

Focusing heavily on relaxation techniques, like

meditation or breathing exercises, may lead to avoiding underlying problems
that need direct resolution.

Some may become overly reliant on certain

techniques (e.g., yoga or specific apps) to feel calm, potentially neglecting the
root cause of their stress.

Therapy, life coaching, or stress

management workshops can be costly, making it less accessible for some.

Some stress management activities, such as

joining a gym or enrolling in classes, may require an ongoing financial commitment.

Without guidance, some people may turn to quick-

fix coping mechanisms like alcohol, overeating, or avoidance behaviors instead of
healthier strategies.
 If stress management is primarily used to avoid
addressing certain challenges, it may prolong or worsen the underlying issues over
time.

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Exercise is a common stress -relief method, but overdoing

it without adequate rest can lead to physical injuries and burnout.

Some methods, like intense yoga or breathwork,

may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those with specific health
conditions.

Techniques such as meditation or mindfulness

can sometimes lead individuals to withdraw socially, especially if they prioritize
solo
stress management activities over social support.

Family or friends who don’t

understand someone’s stress management routine may see it as “self-
indulgence” or
unnecessary, which could create tension or misunderstanding.

If people overly rely on self-

management strategies, they may avoid seeking professional help when
needed, potentially leading to unresolved stress and mental health issues.

Relying on stress management techniques

may lead people to believe they can handle more stress than they actually can,
possibly leading to burnout.

Not all stress management techniques work equally

well for everyone. For example, while some people find meditation beneficial,
others may not enjoy it or find it stressful itself.
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CHAPTER-IV
COMPANYPROFILE
12
 The healthcare market structure varies depending on the country and type
of healthcare system but generally falls into several distinct categories. Here’s a

breakdown of the main elements within the healthcare market structure:

Perfect competition is unusual in healthcare due to the lack of

transparency, complexity, and barriers to entry. Few healthcare markets fit this
model because patients typically lack full information, providers have unique
offerings, and there are significant barriers such as high startup costs and
regulatory requirements.

Monopolistic competition is more common in healthcare, particularly

with independent practitioners and private clinics. Providers differentiate based
on

quality, specialization, and patient experience. Although many providers exist,

each has unique offerings, creating differentiation. Insurance networks and local
regulations may limit direct competition.

Some healthcare sectors, like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and

insurance, often resemble oligopolies. A few large players dominate the market,
which can lead to higher prices due to limited competition. Entry barriers are
high due to R&D costs, regulatory approval processes, and brand loyalty.

In certain areas, monopolies exist, often due to government regulations or

local market dominance. Rural or remote regions may have limited healthcare
providers, leading to local monopolies. Government agencies (like Medicare in
the U.S.) can act as monopolistic providers in specific services or insurance for

particular populations.
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 Monopsony occurs when there is only one major buyer of healthcare
services, such as a national health service. This structure is common in countries
with single - payer systems, like the UK, where the government is the main
purchaser of

healthcare services. In the U.S., Medicare has some monopsony power due to
its purchasing scale.

Healthcare often has a mixed structure due to both private and public
providers, varying by region and sector. For instance, a country might have a single
- payer public system for basic services while allowing private insurance for

additional or faster care. Competition can vary significantly depending on

services, regulations, and population density.

》 Information Asymmetry: Patients often lack full information about treatment

options and costs, which affects their choices and the competitive landscape.

》 Barriers to Entry: High startup costs, regulation, and training requirements

limit new entrants, influencing market power for existing providers.

》 Price Inelasticity: Demand for healthcare is generally inelastic, as patients

require care regardless of price changes.

》 Regulation and Government Intervention: Governments often intervene to

control prices, set standards, and ensure accessibility, which can shape
the market structure.
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 The structure of the market in which the firm is operating has a significant
effect on efficiency. Market structure is defined by: the number and size of the firms
in the market; the ease with which firms may enter and exit the market; the degree
to which firms’ products are differentiated; and the information available to both

buyers and sellers regarding prices and product characteristics. Market structure
characteristics determine competition which ranges from perfect competition
where there are many small sellers and many buyers, a homogenous product and
everyone is a price -taker, to a pure monopoly where there is only one supplier or a
monopsony, a market with only one buyer. Between these extremes there are other
structures

such as monopolistic competition (many buyers and many sellers with a

differentiated product) and oligopoly with a few sellers varying in size and power
in the market.
 The ideal economic structure is perfect competition which has the following
characteristics: many sellers (firms) and many buyers and each one individually
too small to affect price levels so they are all price -takers not price -setters;
homogeneous products such that buyers are unable to discern any difference
between products sold by different sellers/firms; firms can enter and exit the
market freely without restriction from regulations or costs so that new suppliers
can enter the market to increase competition, or be forced to leave the market.

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Apollo Hospitals was founded by Prathap C. Reddy in 1983 as the first

corporate health care in India. The first branch at Chennai was inaugurated by
the then President of India Zail Singh. Apollo developed telemedicine services,
after

starting a pilot project in 2000 at Aragonda, Prathap Reddy's home village. In

2006, Apollo exited its hospital in Colombo called Apollo Hospital Sri Lanka by
selling its

stake to Sri Lanka Insurance. In 2007, Apollo Hospitals and DKV AG established a
joint venture health insurance company called Apollo DKV Insurance Co. The
company was rebranded as Apollo Munich Health Insurance in 2009. In 2008,
Apollo Hospitals started Apollo Reach, a chain of hospitals for Tier -2 and Tier -3
cities as
well as semi-urban and rural areas, with the opening of the first Apollo Reach
hospital in Karimnagar. In December 2012, Apollo Hospitals sold its 38% stake in
Apollo Health Street, the group's healthcare business process outsourcing division,
to Sutherland Global Services for ₹ 225 crore (US$42.11 million). In 2014, Apollo
Hospitals acquired Hetero Med Solutions, a South Indian pharmacy chain with
320 stores, from Hetero Group for ₹ 146 crore (US$23.92 million) in a slump sale.
The stores were rebranded as Apollo Pharmacy. In October 2015, Apollo
launched home care services under Apollo Homecare and its digital healthcare
platform called Ask Apollo.

Our mission is to bring healthcare of international standards within

the reach of every individual.

Our vision is to 'Touch a Billion Lives.

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Apollo Hospitals is one of the largest healthcare providers in India and offers a
wide range of services in various medical fields. Some of the key services provided
by
Apollo Hospitals include:

24/7 emergency and trauma care with a fully equipped ambulance

network. Advanced care for cardiac emergencies, strokes, accidents, and critical
injuries.

Regular health screenings and wellness programs to detect early signs

of diseases. Customized health check-up packages for individuals, families, and

corporates.

Organ transplant programs, including heart, kidney, liver, and bone

marrow transplants, supported by advanced infrastructure and experienced
teams.
 Procedures with minimal incisions for faster recovery, including
laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic surgeries.

Advanced diagnostic facilities including MRI, CT scans, X-rays,

ultrasounds, and laboratory services for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Virtual consultations through telemedicine services, enabling patients

to consult with specialists remotely. E-Health initiatives to connect patients
with doctors across various locations.

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Nursing can be a high-stress profession due to its demanding and often emotionally taxing
nature. Effective stress management is crucial to help nurses maintain mental and
physical well-being. Here are some practical stress management techniques tailored for
nurses:

Practicing mindfulness can help nurses stay calm and focused, even during
stressful situations. Simple techniques like mindful breathing, body scanning, or guided
meditation (even for a few minutes) can reduce stress and improve resilience. Apps like
Headspace and Calm offer short meditations that fit into busy schedules.

Breathing techniques such as the 4 -7 -8 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for
7, exhale for 8) can help reduce stress instantly. Taking deep breaths before or after a

challenging situation can provide mental clarity.

3. Physical Exercise
 Regular exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and improve mood. Even
short, brisk walks, stretching, or yoga can be beneficial. Nurses can incorporate light
stretches during their shifts to release physical tension, especially in the neck and
shoulders.

Keeping an organized schedule, setting priorities, and delegating tasks, when

possible, can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Creating checklists, and
documenting tasks to streamline processes can reduce stress levels and make shifts more
manageable.

Building a support network with colleagues can provide emotional support and
create a sense of camaraderie. Talking to a trusted coworker about stressful
situations, sharing experiences, or simply venting can reduce stress and increase
morale.

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Finding ways to manage stress is essential for nurses to stay healthy and
satisfied with their important work. Stress management techniques for nurses
include deep breathing, meditation, and exercise. Nurses might also explore sleep
management and therapy techniques.

While it may seem trivial, how people breathe has a profound impact on
their health. Engaging in deep breathing can be an effective way to reduce stress
and

anxiety. It can also improve lung function, blood pressure, and other elements
of health.

Meditation is another powerful tool to help nurses relax and reduce stress
levels. It can be helpful to find a calm, quiet place to meditate, but it’s not always

necessary.
 Incorporating exercise into daily routines can make managing stress easier
for nursing professionals. Exercise is one of the most proven stress -relief
techniques, as it boosts endorphins and helps release physical tension.

Stress and sleep have a cyclical relationship: stress can cause sleep
problems, and insomnia can intensify stress. So, by reducing stress, nurse
professionals can
improve their sleep, leading to better performance in the workplace.

When self-care techniques are not enough to reduce stress, there are a
number of external resources that can provide relief. Psychologists and counselors
provide various kinds of therapy that can help reduce symptoms of stress, while
also addressing underlying issues that may exacerbate stressful emotions.

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By implementing various strategies, the hospital manages stress

effectively among their nurses. They also provide a cloak room facility for their
nurses. They have a rotational shift for their nurses in order to avoid stress. They
provide a training session for their nurses and teach them how to overcome their
stress. They ensure the work pressure among the nurses. They gave a detailed
structure on why the stress arises and how to overcome stress and anxiety. They
provide a proper guidance at a high level such as critical thinking, which increases
mental strain daily. Working in an under -resourced and understaffed unit
increases workplace tension and can lead to higher stress levels. They also provide
a medical card for their employees as an incentive. Nursing is an emotional labor
of love.

Nurses often must conceal their feelings of frustration, anger, or anxiety while on
the job. These are some of the common stressors that nurses experience daily.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional burden is placed on healthcare
professionals and nursing students across the country. This only adds to the
mental, emotional, and physical stress under which nurses must work.

It is crucial to cope with and manage your stress levels. Fortunately,

proven strategies that reduce stress are not complex or complicated. They are
simple,
consistent practices you can incorporate into your everyday routine.

It’s important to remember that stress is a normal part of everyday life.

However, chronic stress can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and Type 2
diabetes. Using the tips below, you can build a daily routine to help reduce your
stress and protect your health, whether you’re a working nurse or a nursing
student navigating online school.
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