Vol. 11, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Abstract
Stress is defined as an individual's physical, mental, and emotional reaction to conditions that disrupt well-being. Recognized as an occupational hazard since the mid-1950s, nursing stress has escalated due to increasing technology use, rising care costs, and turbulent work environments. This study aimed to assess critical care nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding occupational stress management before and after a self-instructional module. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was employed, using a structured questionnaire with high reliability (r = 0.80 and 0.81). Results showed mean knowledge scores rising from 42.95% to 85.75% and attitude scores improving significantly, with positive attitudes increasing from 53.3% to 78.3%. These findings indicate that targeted educational interventions effectively enhance nurses’ stress management competencies, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and reduced burnout. The study robustly supports the implementation of structured stress management training as a valuable strategy to promote nurses’ well-being and sustain healthcare quality.