Stress is dominating modern life. It is experienced by all people including nurses and patients. Stress provokes coping and is the outcome of inadequate coping. In this issue, we have articles that focus on stress, coping and support.
Liao reports on the stress perception and coping strategies of Taiwan female heart surgery patients during early convalescence. Recognizing the potential stressors experienced by patients, nurses can assist the patients in coping and support those patients who have developed their own coping strategies.
Chan shares with us the nursing care of an asthmatic patient with permissive hypercapnic ventilation. Using their expert knowledge and skills, ICU nurses are able to offer physical and psychosocial support to patients and their families in order to minimize the possible stress related to such crisis. Nurses themselves are by no means immune to stress. As described by Lee in her article, self-control, dedication and hardship were emphasized in the tradition of nursing.
McNeese-Smith and her colleagues, in their article, identify that managers' leadership behaviors influence employees' experience of job satisfaction, productivity and commitment to organization. In view of the rapid political and economic changes, Ramprogus points out the tensions that may be experienced by the nursing profession. In order to benefit from these changes, nurses should address the challenges of integration of research, practice and teaching in nurse education and knowledge development. Nurses, who are prepared for the challenge, should read this article for insights.
Celsia Kuen Oi Cheung
Issue Editor