Occupational stress among nurses at the National Hospital of Endocrinology in 2025

Objective: To describe the current status of occupational stress among nurses and associated factors at the National Hospital of Endocrinology in 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 399 nurses at the National Hospital of Endocrinology from October 2024 to June 2025. Occupational stress was assessed using the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS), which had been translated into Vietnamese and validated for reliability in previous studies. Results: The mean total ENSS score was 66.74 ± 24.18, ranging from 27 to 138. The three highest stressors were: interaction with patients/relatives (14.85 points), uncertainty concerning treatment (13.52 points), and death and dying situations (8.26 points). Regarding stress levels, 11.3% of nurses experienced very high stress, 47.1% moderate, and 41.6% low, indicating that nearly 60% were at least moderately stressed. Occupational stress was significantly associated with age, working position, number of night shifts, contract type, work experience, and income; it was highest among nurses under 25 years old and those working in Emergency/Intensive Care Units. Gender, education level, marital status, number of children, administrative position, and working hours were not statistically significant factors. Conclusion: The mean occupational stress score among nurses was 66.74 ± 24.18. Clinical departments should focus on supporting younger nurses, rationalizing work schedules, improving the working environment, and strengthening training programs to reduce occupational stress and enhance mental health among healthcare workers.