Workload Stress and Its Impact on Job Performance Among Registered Nurses in Clinical Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Workload stress is a common occupational challenge in nursing and has been increasingly recognized as a factor that can adversely affect nurses’ well-being, job performance, and patient care quality. High clinical demands, staffing shortages, and shift work contribute to elevated stress levels, particularly in hospital settings. Objective: To assess the level of workload stress and examine its impact on job performance among registered nurses working in clinical settings at Khalid Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 160 registered nurses providing direct patient care. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic information, a standardized workload stress scale, and a validated job performance scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize stress and performance levels, while chi-square tests and Pearson correlation analysis were applied to evaluate the association between workload stress and job performance. Results: Most nurses reported moderate to high workload stress, with 48.8% experiencing moderate stress and 31.2% high stress. High job performance was reported by 31.2% of participants, whereas 22.5% demonstrated low performance. A statistically significant inverse association was observed between workload stress and job performance (p < 0.01), with higher stress levels associated with lower performance scores. Workload stress showed a moderate negative correlation with job performance (r = −0.41, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Workload stress is highly prevalent among registered nurses and has a significant negative impact on job performance. Organizational strategies aimed at workload management and stress reduction are essential to improve nursing performance and ensure quality patient care.