Reflection on Stressors at the Rehabilitation Department

Running head: MODULE 3 1
Module 3
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

MODULE 3 2
Reflection on Stressors at the Rehabilitation Department
The shift work and the long working hours stressed two caregivers to the point that they
could not attend to the clients. The nurses were on the night shift from 8:50 pm to 1 am in the
early morning due to a large number of patients. The facility also expected the professionals to
report to their duty post at 9 am and work up to 4 pm before leaving for their respective homes.
The continued routine made the specialists have little time for themselves and their family
members. Unfavorable work schedule leads to mental complications like depression (Gifkins,
Loudoun, & Johnston, 2017).
I realized that the specialists stayed inside the office away from the patients. They were
sad and avoided interacting with colleagues. The hygiene levels of the two stressed caregivers
had reduced as they had unkempt hair. They also started reporting to work in dirty clothes and
unpolished shoes. The sudden changes in the physical appearance indicate that the working
conditions are exerting stress and anxiety on them (Gifkins, Loudoun, & Johnston, 2017).
Therefore, the facility should conduct thorough research to address the wellbeing of the
employees. The first question is how to modify the shift to eliminate stress. Furthermore, what
coping strategies can the victim nurses adapt to stay away from mental disorders?
Stress due to workload is a common occurrence as I have experienced it in my last place
of work. Recent research has also shown that nurses who work at night shifts are vulnerable to
stress since they have little time for social functions (Hegney et al., 2014). However, I developed
stress since I was working on public holidays and during the weekends. My reaction to the
situation was similar to that of the two nurses since I started reporting to work in dirty clothes. I
have developed skills and knowledge that assist me to stay from stress at the health facility.
Taking breaks during duty reduces stress.