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.
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.
David L
DL
Mandell
Margie L
ML
Claypool
David J
DJ
Kay
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