Superstitions among perioperative nurses.
A descriptive study was conducted using a mailed questionnaire to determine the prevalence of work-related superstitions among perioperative nurses. Data analysis included the two-sample t test for continuous data and the two-sided Fisher's exact test for binary data. Study results indicate that although only 23% of respondents view themselves as "generally superstitious," specific work-related superstitions are widespread. Belief in specific superstitions was not statistically related to age or number of years as a perioperative nurse. An analysis of the literature on medical workplace superstitions helps to elucidate possible underlying explanations for the phenomenon of nursing superstitions.
Mandell
David L
DL
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.
Claypool
Margie L
ML
Kay
David J
DJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D012621:Seasons; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013483:Superstitions / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires