Staff Stress in the Care of the Critically III and Dying Child

Abstract
This chapter has provided a theoretical model of staff stress in the care of critically ill and dying children. The stress that staff members experience is a reflection of stressors inherent in the patient care environment as well as those mediating factors which the individual brings into the work setting from his or her personal life. These factors may either strengthen the individual in a stressful situation or may make the caregiver more vulnerable to a stress reaction. Stress may be manifested in physical or psychological symptoms or in difficulties in the person's social, family or occupational life. Specific suggestions were given for coming with some of these manifestations of stress.