Investigating the role of organizational stress in nurses' psychosomatic complaints: Evidence from a study in northeastern Italy

Nursing is a profession known for its indispensable role in healthcare, yet it comes with multifaceted challenges, including high levels of organizational stress. This study aims to investigate the associations between exposure to organizational stressors, measured by the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool, and psychosomatic complaints among nurses in a medium-sized city hospital in northeastern Italy. A total of 215 nurses participated in the study, completing self-report questionnaires assessing organizational stressors and the prevalence of psychosomatic complaints over the last six months. Results revealed significant associations between various organizational stressors and psychosomatic complaints, with the Relationships factor emerging as a significant predictor of palpitations, irritability, anxiety, physical and mental tiredness, and headache. Additionally, Demands and Managers' support were identified as significant predictors of specific psychosomatic complaints. Strengths of the study include the use of a well-established measurement tool and a comprehensive assessment of psychosomatic complaints. However, limitations such as the cross-sectional design and self-report measures need consideration. These findings underscore the critical role of addressing organizational stressors, particularly those related to interpersonal relationships, in promoting nurse well-being and optimizing patient care delivery. By prioritizing supportive work environments and implementing targeted interventions, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of well-being among nurses, ultimately enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.