Stress, a psychological concept, can negatively impact health, well-being, and job performance if not effectively managed. Nurses worldwide face significant occupational stress due to the diversity and volume of patients they encounter. This study aimed to investigate the sources and effects of stress on work performance among nurses at General Hospital Ilorin and the coping strategies they employ. A descriptive survey method was utilised, gathering data from 126 nurses using stratified proportionate and clustered sampling techniques. A 48-item questionnaire covering demographics, sources and effects of stress, and coping strategies was validated with a Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of 0.88. Data analysis involved frequency counts, percentages, and mean statistics, with two hypotheses tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of P < 0.05. The findings revealed no significant differences in stress types based on nurses’ ages, genders, or ranks. However, nurses were aware of prevalent stress sources, such as conflicts with others and work overload, which significantly affected their health and work performance. Although coping strategies varied, they were not statistically different among nurses. The study recommends that General Hospital management organise seminars and workshops on stress management, conduct periodic stress assessments, and encourage senior nurses to mentor younger colleagues. Additionally, the inclusion of counselors is suggested to assist nurses in managing stress effectively, ultimately improving their job performance.
Keywords: Nurses, coping strategies. work performance, occupational Stress
