Mental Health and Exposure to Stressful Life Events of Nurses Working in Emergency Medical Service (ER 115)

Work place stress affects the mental health، performance and safety of nurses and their patients in health care centers. Accordingly، this study aimed to assess the mental health and stressful life events of nurses working in Tehran Emergency Medical Service، Iran. This was a descriptive correlational study. Two hundred nurses working in 115 Tehran Emergency Center were randomly selected. Data was collected using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)، scaling of life events and were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. There was a statistically significant relationship between mental health and stressful life events (P < 0. 001). Mental health status of bachelor nurses was better than operating room and anesthetic technicians (P < 0. 001); and they had experienced less stressful events (P < 0. 001). To select the right people for the job، it is recommended that psychological tests such as personality traits be performed at the beginning of employment. Regular education programs and psychological counseling for these individuals is also recommended.