Abstract: A sample of 24 nurses at ICU of Austin Hospital were measured on relevant physiological variables including heart rate and hormonal respo- nses to provide information on physical and mental workload. In addition, subjective reports of sleep, mood change, self assessed mental and physical workload were collected from the group. These measures suggest that the physiological cost of work was at an acceptable level, no harmful overload was found. In addition, the physio- logical measures indicate that physiological responses induced by mental stress during work could be severe.

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