Team Stress in Palliative/Hospice Care

SUMMARY

Using data gathered as part of a larger study of occupational stress, the subset of hospice providers was analyzed to ascertain the stressors and manifestations of stress they encountered in their work. Stressors were seen to evolve not so much from work with clients and families, but from the work environment and occupational role. Manifestations of stress were seen to consist of staff conflict, feelings of depression, grief and guilt, job/home interaction, and feelings of helplessness.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary L. S. Vachon

Mary L. S. Vachon, RN, PhD, is a researcher, clinician and lecturer in the areas of life threatening illness, bereavement, and occupational stress. She has lectured throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia; and has published over 80 articles on the above subjects. She is Senior Mental Health Consultant at the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry; Associate Professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science at the University of Toronto; and Nurse Consultant in Psychiatry at the Princess Margaret Hospital.