Stress Management for Radiologic Technologist - Essay Example

? Stress Management for Radiologic Technologist The current essay aims to explore and proffer pertinent issues relative to stress management in the radiologic technology profession. The paper would be presented by initially providing an effective definition of relevant terms prior to enumerating the causes and effects of stressors in the radiologic technologist’s work environment. Likewise, the levels and change process associated to stressors would be discussed. A section on the strategies and solutions to address stressors in the work setting would also be presented. Finally, a stress management plan would be proposed, as deduced from highlights learned throughout the essay. A concluding portion summarizes the crucial points that were presented, in conjunction with leaving a word of advice for effective stress management for radiologic technologists. Stress Management for Radiologic Technologist Introduction Health care practitioners continue to encounter challenges in the work setting that significantly affect the expected compliance to their respective roles and responsibilities in patient care. Internal and external factors in the work environment contribute to pressing and increasing demand to address urgent concerns within a limited time frame. For radiologists, the scenario could not have been significantly different. As Romano (2012) disclosed, typical daily work setting schedule illustrate preponderance of “potentially negative effect that stress can have on job performance in the radiology department… The technologist can experience multiple stressors— both personal and professional — that could lead to a medical error with serious consequences for everyone involved” (Romano, 2012, p. 55). In this regard, the current essay aims to explore and proffer pertinent issues relative to stress management in the radiologic technology profession. The discourse would initially provide an effective definition of relevant terms, such as stress and stressors; prior to identifying causes and effects of stressors in the radiologic technologist’s work environment. The levels and change process associated to stressors would likewise be discussed. In addition, strategies and solutions to address stressors in the work setting would be presented. Finally, a stress management plan would be proposed, as deduced from highlights learned throughout the essay. A concluding portion summarizes the crucial points that were presented, in conjunction with leaving a word of advice for effective stress management for radiologic technologists. Definition of Terms Stress is perceived as commonly known to people due to its being generally encountered in every facet of life. Romano (2012) identified stress as “a symptom of a larger issue, such as a decrease in one’s sense of well-being brought on by changes in work environment or increased physical or mental demands” (p. 57). Authors Balinger, Comelio, & Veale (2008) presented the meaning of stress as “physical or psychological stimulus that can produce mental tension or physiological reactions that may lead to illness” (Stedman's concise medical dictionary illustrated, 2004, p. 966; cited in Balinger, Comelio, & Veale: Introduction, 2008, par. 1). The the discourse explores work-related or occupational stress, which is thereby defined as “aspects of the work environment that cause strain, poor psychological health or reduced well-being of the individual” (Killion, 2009, p. 506). From the definitions, it could be deduced that stress is a symptom or stimulus that could be physical, psychological, or external that causes a decline in the current performance or sense of well-being of an individual. Causes of Stress or Factors that Trigger Stress From the foregoing, there were explicitly identified factors that could trigger stress (or what is normally termed as stressors). Job-related stressors were identified by Romano (2012) as “lack of support or opportunity for advancement, work overload, or role ambiguity” (p. 57). For the radiologic technology profession, Balinger, Comelio, & Veale (2008) identified staffing issues to include lack of qualified and competent personnel, lack of training to accomplish required tasks, role ambiguity, stress-induced injuries or muscoloskeletal disorders (MSD), and even workplace violence. Factors such as lack of sleep, fatique, and changes in shifts or schedules in the health care environment are likewise contributory to stress and significantly affect these professionals’ conduct of their duties with regard to direct patient care. Killion (2009) has cited the study conducted by Sechrist & Frazer (1992) to enumerate the top 10 occupational stressors distinctly identified to the radiologic technology profession, as follows: (1) disrespectful physicians; (2) inadequate pay; (3) performing unnecessary exams; (4) lack of staff; (5) lack of respect; (6) abusive patients; (7) uncooperative radiologists; (8) nonsupportive radiologists; (9) demanding radiologists; and (10) manageent rules (p. 505). It is likewise relevant to note that as disclosed by Romano (2012), “the lack of a sense of control over one’s environment often can be a source of unhealthy stress” (p. 58). The ability to control or address these stressors effectively likewise depend on the individual’s competencies and skills, as well as wealth of theoretical background and experience gained to sufficiently meet pressing demands with agility and resilience. Effects of Personal Stress on Job Performance Due to the volume of physical, social, occupational factors that trigger stress in the radiologic technology profession, the various effects are likewise diverse and relevant as it impacts not only the individual, but their colleagues and the patients within their care. One of the common effects that was extensively studied was burnout which was “measured by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment and stress-related health problems” (Killion, 2009, p. 510). This profession was likewise identified to be susceptible to higher rates of occupational hazards and MSDs (Brusin, 2011). Therefore, the effects to the technologists and to the patients were clearly emphasized, to wit: “staffing issues, lack of training, and role ambiguity can seriously affect patient care. Stress arising from exposure to infectious diseases, difficult patients, physical injuries, and workplace safety can shorten job tenure and negatively affect interpersonal relationships. Emotional and physical fatigue can erode relationships and the ability to maintain professional standards” (Balinger, Comelio, & Veale: Literature Review, 2008, par. 26). Romano (2012) identified the consequences of apparent burnout to increased susceptibility of committing medication errors. As indicated, “when the workplace requires the radiologic technologist to take on multiple roles, he or she may become overly stressed and distracted by multitasking. The potential for errors increases as the technologist’s stress level rises” (Romano, 2012, p. 57). Of course, medication errors are most detrimental to those who commit them and to the organization that potentially jeopardized the health condition and status of patients. The possible repercussions could include minor to gross injuries (even deaths) for the patients, legal claims and lawsuits for the organizations, and demotion or loss of job for the health care practitioners who committed the medication errors. Levels of Stress and Effect on the Individual There are identified levels of stress, which could enhance an individual’s awareness and reaction as knowledge to these stages is improved. Categorized into five (5) levels, these are enumerated as follows: (1) normal; (2) moderate; (3) severe; (4) panic; and (5) tension reduction (Romano, 2012). Normal stress level includes day-to-day activities that actually assist in enhancing awareness of schedules and responsibilities. Therefore, a radiologic technologist could opt to apply time management to address the demands within this level. Under the moderate stress level, it was explained that stressors begin to impinge on the individual, where focus and perception becomes more directed to factors creating the stress. As the level increases to severe, a technologist’s preponderance to commit errors in the work setting is likewise increased. As emphasized by Romano (2012), “the severe level of stress impairs complex motor skills such as movement of extremities or hand-eye coordination. A person might develop tunnel vision and become unable to focus on more than the immediate situation” (p. 58). The panic level is more intense and allegedly destructive. Impairment of cognitive ability and outbursts of emotional reaction could be manifested and exemplified without sufficient support from rationalized thinking. After this level, the person was noted to enter the tension reduction level where awareness and discernment of responsibilities and appropriate behavior are regained; as well as receptiveness to crucial information required to undertake expected performance of tasks. Strategies for Coping with Stress Previous researches and studies have acknowledged that people react and respond differently to stressors depending on factors that include personalities, actual situation and experiences, as well as the learning styles (Romano, 2012). It was therefore emphasized that the person’s ability to create a positive environment would significantly assist in developing strategies that would cope with stress (Romano, 2012). The strategy stressed by Romano (2012) thereby focuses on the ability of the individual to adapt and adjust to change. Looking at other perspectives, directly addressing the causes of stress would assist the radiologist in designing appropriate strategies that would intervene and solve these stressors. For instance, occupational related or MSDs could be addressed through the use of ergonomics or the “natural laws of work” (Brusin, 2011) make use of strategies that include creation of an ergonomically designed work environment. This alternative closely monitors the causes of stress and accurately redesigns work stations, selection of medical equipment, shift schedules, as well as collaborately solve patient and colleagues concerns that contribute to a stressful environment. Strategies to cope with stressors causing burnout, for instance, could be resolved through increasing staffing, effective scheduling, and appropriate training, as needed. As averred by Killion (2009), “to address and improve the health of these individuals, one must first isolate the contributing factors (stressors) and then design a program to help the individual deal with these factors effectively” (p. 511). The strategies to be developed would only be successful insofar as these perfectly match the contributory factors or stressors in the work setting, and depending on the personalities and learning styles of the concerned radiologists. Stress Management Plan From the theoretical inputs learned from various researches on the subject, one’s stress management plan would therefore contain elements of a simple business plan: objectives (short term and long term), identification of stressors, alternative strategies to cope or solve these stressors (including advantages and disadvantages of each option), and monitoring progress of the plan. An identified time frame from the time the plan is designed up to implementation and monitoring could be clearly identified. This would assist in enhancing time management skills, cognitive and analytical skills, as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills. As such, in conjunction with the preparation of a stress management plan, radiologists must have been able to assess internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) in the work setting. The recommended PERMA Model developed by Martin Seligman would also assist in focusing more on the positive aspects. Romano (2012) disclosed that “when applied to the radiology department, these tools can help technologists develop positive relationships with coworkers, gain confidence by embracing changes in technology and processes, and engage patients to provide exceptional service and care” (p. 65). The radiologist should have as much control to the factors contained in the strategy to ensure its smooth implementation, according to plan. Implications for Current and Future Studies The ability to management one’s stress levels, adapt and adjust to changes in the work environment, and develop a strategic stress management plan depends on the ability and competencies of the radiologists to propose improvements and changes in the work setting that would prevent stressors or at least mitigate them. As noted by Brusin (2011), “individual radiologic technologists can assist management efforts to create more ergonomically sound work spaces. Cultivating and maintaining individual awareness of the biomechanical and psychosocial factors that predispose technologists to musculoskeletal pain, eyestrain, or work-related injury is the first step in maintaining an ergonomic work environment” (p. 155). Likewise, as emphasized by Romano (2012), radiologists could be change agents, especially when personal and professional practices in coping with stressors prove to be highly effective and succesful. The participation and collaborative efforts of management in the health care setting is crucial to integrate helpful suggestions that would address contributory factors to a stressful work environment. Conclusion The current essay is hereby successful in achieving its goal of exploring and proffering pertinent issues relative to stress management in the radiologic technology profession. Through initially defining crucial terms which were used throughout the discourse, a more comprehensible presentation was structured which included presenting the causes of stress and the effects in the work setting. Likewise, the five levels of stress were expounded, as well as how these categories affect the functioning of radiologists in each particular level. Strategies for coping were noted to be diverse and should cater to the needs of the individual through tailoring the solution to the identified contributory factors for stress. In addition, the development of a stress management plan was outlined to include stating the objectives, identifying the stressors applicable to one’s situation, enumerating alternative courses of action to cope with these stressors, and upon selection of the solution, regularly monitoring the progress to ensure continued and successful resolution. Stress is common to each and every individual in diverse careers and profession. Knowledge of the basic components and concepts on stress management would significantly assist in the development of strategies that would surely make one’s work environment productive and rewarding. References Stedman's concise medical dictionary illustrated. (2004). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. Balinger, J., Comelio, R., & Veale, B. (2008). Stressors That Negatively Affect the Health of Radiology Professionals . Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Volume 39, Issue 1, 11-15. Retrieved from http://www.jmirs.org/article/S1939-8654%2808%2900003-9/fulltext Brusin, J. (2011). Ergonomics in Radiology. Radiologic Technology, Volume 83, Number 2, 141-157. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=5d3c5910-5d07-43e8-b33a-e95d138a4b06%40sessionmgr10&vid=6&hid=3 Killion, J. (2009). Radiologic Science Educator Stress and Burnout. Radiologic Technology, Volume 80, Number 6, 505-514. Retrieved from https://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=117&sid=e927ba4d-6c77-4a5d-a5b4-91efa8a96b57%40sessionmgr4 Romano, J. (2012). Stress Management for the Radiologic Technologist. Radiologic Technology, Volume 84, Number 1, 55-71. Sechrist, S., & Frazer, G. (1992). Identification of Stressors in Radiologic Technology. Radiologic Technology, Volume 64, Number 2, 97-103. Read More