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Lori Harwood, MSc, RN

Lori Harwood, MSc, RN, is an Advanced Practice Nurse, the Adam Linton Hemodialysis Unit, the London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada, and is a member of the MichigANNA Chapter.

Barbara Wilson, MScN, RN

Barbara Wilson, MScN, RN, is an Advanced Practice Nurse, the Adam Linton Hemodialysis Unit, the London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada, and is a member of the MichigANNA Chapter.

Heather Locking-Cusolito, MScN, RN

Heather Locking-Cusolito, MScN, RN, at the time of data collection, was a Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist, the Adam Linton Hemodialysis Unit, the London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.

Jessica Sontrop, PhD

Jessica Sontrop, PhD, is an Epidemiologist, the Walkerton Health Study, the London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.

Joan Spittal, MSW, RSW

Joan Spittal, MSW, RSW, at the time of data collection, was a Social Worker, the Adam Linton Hemodialysis Unit, the London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure stressors of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), identify those stressors, and determine which coping strategies were used and effective. The participants reported fatigue, sleep problems, and peripheral neuropathy as the most frequently experienced stressors. Optimism as a coping style was most commonly used and was also the most effective. Stress was inversely associated with age and CKD stage, and positively associated with coping. Knowledge from this study can be used to further patient education and supportive interventions for patients with CKD.