Comparison of life quality between special care units and internal-surgical nurses

Different occupational environments affect the quality of life and occupational stress has serious effects on health and life quality. Paying attention to nurses’ health and quality of life and keeping them healthy is of great importance, first of all as a human being and then as people who are responsible for health of other society members. This study was performed to compare the quality of life in nurses of special care units and internal-surgical wards. This descriptive-cross sectional study was performed on 250 nurses working in special care units and internal-surgical wards in two of Tehran’s educational hospitals in 2008. Study units were selected by systematic random sampling. Data collection tools were demographic data questionnaire and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical indices and inferential non-parametric statistical tests including Chi square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis and Spearman test by SPSS 15 software. Mean scores of physical and mental health and total quality of life scores, showed significant difference between nurses of special care units and internal-surgical wards (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between type of ward, economic, social and occupational satisfaction and quality of life (p<0.05). Regarding some inevitable stressful factors in nursing occupation and the necessity of preventing physical, mental and behavioral consequences of stress on nurses, measures should be taken in order to develop their occupational environment and quality of life. Also, teaching oppositional methods to nurses is suggested.