Transforming Nurses' Stress and Anger: Steps Toward Healing

AORN Journal, August, 2005 by Donna Lagueux

Transforming Nurses' Stress and Anger: Steps Toward Healing second ed Sandra P. Thomas 2004, 318 pp $36.95 softcover

There are many self-help books on the market today, but few specifically address current nursing practice. This book's author shares her extensive knowledge of the subject using a phenomenological approach. Every chapter quotes nurses and tells their stories, giving this publication credibility with its target audience. This second edition focuses primarily on the massive changes in health care and social attitudes during the past 10 years.

The book is divided into four parts. "American nurses are frustrated, stressed, and angry" begins the first chapter, and the first section examines why. Heavy workloads, feelings of powerlessness, and lack of respect and managerial support are discussed. The author explores the connection of anger to illness and addiction. She also revisits the fairly recent history of nursing economics. I found it difficult, even painful, to read about the 1990s industrialization of health care in the United States, but the author offers hope for the future with recommendations and steps for healing.

Part two focuses on connecting with nurse colleagues and patients, starting as nursing students and continuing with relationships with peers, supervisors, and patients. The author encourages nurses to stop horizontal violence and foster stronger relationships.

Part three helps nurses deal with an abusive past and begin self-healing. Nurses need to reflect on how they got where they are, forgive, and move on. The author discusses meditation, self-esteem, spirituality, humor, and art in this section.

Part four challenges nurses to claim their power, solve their problems, and forge a positive future. Self-empowerment is the key to influence and control not only one's personal life but also the future of health care. Thirty pages of references at the end of the book provide resources for readers who wish to explore more about any of the topics.

This book is useful for any nursing professional, regardless of gender or job description. The first part of the book may help new graduates understand the frustration they see in senior nurses, but the book's greatest effect will be on nurses who have practiced for more than a few years. Although the content is based heavily on research, it is very readable. It has a generally hopeful and helpful tone throughout and offers extensive strategies for anger management.

This book is available from Springer Publishing Co, Inc, 536 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3955.

DONNA LAGUEUX

RN, MSN, CNOR

CLINICAL EDUCATOR

WINDHAM HOSPITAL

WILLIMANTIC, CONN