Protecting Nurses During Pregnancy: Cross‐Sectional Study of Workplace Exposures and Modifications

ABSTRACT

Aims

This study examined associations between pregnancy-related fear and stress, occupational exposures, and workplace modifications among pregnant registered nurses in the United States engaged in direct patient care.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used with data collected via an online survey between November 2021 and April 2022. Participants (n = 358) were recruited through social media and listservs. Log-binomial regression models, adjusted for age and parity, estimated prevalence ratios and confidence intervals for associations between occupational exposures and workplace modifications with prevalence of pregnancy-related stress at work and fear of pregnancy or infant complications. Stress, a non-specific physical/psychosocial response to demands, and fear, an emotional response to perceived threat, functioned as distinct constructs.

Results

Emotional and physical environmental hazards were associated with increased prevalence of stress. Emotional and environmental hazards, as well as physical movement, administering antineoplastic medications, infectious disease transmission and scans, were associated with increased prevalence of fear. Each additional occupational exposure increased prevalence of stress by 4% and fear by 12%. Nurses also mitigated risks by implementing workplace modifications. Stress was associated with changing work schedules, while fear was statistically significantly associated with taking extra infection precautions and seeking assistance for CPR.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for interventions that address modifiable occupational hazards and improve access to modifications that reduce stress and fear among pregnant nurses.

Implications for the Profession

Strengthening workplace protections could reduce occupational stress, improve nurse retention and enhance patient care quality.

Impact

Pregnant nurses face significant occupational hazards, yet limited research has examined their psychosocial effects and mitigation strategies. This study identified key exposures associated with increased stress and fear and showed that workplace modifications varied by stress/fear levels and pregnancy trimester, informing policies to better protect pregnant nurses.

Reporting Method

Authors adhered to the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contributions

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.