Nursing Diagnosis: Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)
Definition of Relocation Stress Syndrome
- Physiological and/or psychosocial disturbance following transfer from one environment to another
Defining Characteristics of Relocation Stress Syndrome
- Alienation
- Anger
- Anxiety related to separation
- Concern over relocation
- Dependency
- Depression
- Fear
- Frustration
- Increased physical symptoms
- or illness
- Increased verbalized needs or
- unwillingness to move
- Insecurity
- Loneliness
- Loss of identity or self-worth
- Pessimism
- Sleep disturbance
- Withdrawal
- Worry
Related Factors of Relocation Stress Syndrome
- Decreased health status
- Feelings of powerlessness
- Impaired psychosocial health
- Isolation from familiar locations and persons
- Lack of adequate support system or predeparture counseling or social support
- Move from one environment to another
- Language barrier
- Losses
- Passive coping
- Unpredictability of experience
Assessment Focus | Nursing Care Plan for Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)
Nursing Diagnosis for Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)| Assessment Focus; Expected Outcomes; Suggested NOC Outcomes
Assessment Focus of Relocation Stress Syndrome (Refer To Comprehensive Assessment Parameters.)
- Activity/exercise
- Coping
- Emotional
- Knowledge
- Neurocognition
- Risk management
- Roles/relationships
Expected Outcomes| Nursing Diagnosis for Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)
The patient will
- Request information about new environment.
- Communicate understanding of relocation.
- Take steps to prepare for relocation.
- Use available resources.
- Express satisfaction with adjustment to new environment.
Suggested NOC Outcomes| Nursing Diagnosis for Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)
Loneliness Severity; Psychosocial Adjustment: Life Change; Quality of Life; Stress Level
Nursing Interventions for Stress | Nursing Diagnosis for Stress
Nursing Diagnosis for Stress | Nursing Interventions of Stress and Rationales; Suggested NIC Interventions
Nursing Interventions of Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome) and rationales
- Assess patient’s needs for additional healthcare services before relocation to ensure receipt of appropriate care in the new environment.
- Assign a primary nurse to patient to provide a consistent, caring, and accepting environment that enhances patient’s adjustment and well-being.
- Help patient and family members prepare for relocation. Conduct group discussions, provide pictures of the new setting, and communicate any additional information that will ease transition to help patient cope with a new environment.
- If possible, allow patient and family members to visit the new location, and provide introductions to the new staff. The more familiar the environment, the less stress patient will experience during relocation.
- Educate family members about relocation stress syndrome and its potential effects to encourage family members to provide needed emotional support throughout the transition period.
- Encourage patient to express emotions associated with relocation to provide opportunity to correct misconceptions, answer questions, and reduce anxiety.
- Reassure patient that family members and friends know his or her new location and will continue to visit to reduce feelings of abandonment and anxiety.
- Communicate all aspects of patient’s discharge plan to appropriate staff members at the new location to ensure continuity of care.
Suggested NIC Interventions| Nursing Diagnosis for Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)
Active Listening; Coping Enhancement; Self-Responsibility Facilitation
This is a sample of Nursing Care Plan for Stress (Relocation Stress Syndrome)
