Do hospital shift charge nurses from different cultures experience similar stress? An international cross sectional study

Similarities along with differences were found in the nature and levels of stress experienced across the studied countries. A prerequisite educational program should be mandatory for nurses prior to their nomination as shift charge nurses. Programs should be tailored to address the stress experienced by shift charge nurses. Ongoing mentorship and workshops are recommended to develop and maintain leadership abilities to cope with role stress. Future research should explore internationally the unique nature and stress of the shift charge nurse's role and replicate this study by using the Charge Nurse Stress Questionnaire in other countries. Further international comparative studies are recommended to evaluate stress perceptions of nurses in other roles and in different practice areas.