PROFESSIONAL STRESS AS A DETERMINING FACTOR FOR THE QUALITY OF NURSING CARE IN NEUROLOGICAL HOSPITAL CARE IN BULGARIA

Summary: The professional stress of the nurses is one of the main criteria in determining the quality of nursing care in neurological hospital care. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the professional stress of nurses in neurological clinics and wards in Bulgaria. Methodology: The survey was conducted through a direct anonymous questionnaire during the period June 2016 - February 2017. The respondents are 100 nurses (out of 136) working in the neurological wards of nine hospitals in Bulgaria, selected on a lottery basis. Results: The results show staff shortages reported in 53,8%, psycho-emotional exhaustion among nurses in 64% and stress at work in (64,1%). More than one-third of respondents are reporting for a lacking willingness to work. Occupational exhaustion is presented as psycho-emotional exhaustion, accompanied by low professional motivation and dissatisfaction. Conclusions: The specific nature of the professional activity of the nurses in neurological hospital care provokes the development of the syndrome of professional exhaustion, which requires timely prevention. This help must be comprehensive, psychological and organizational.