The perceptions of staff wellness by Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) and Licensed Nurses (LPNs) employed in acute care in a southern Alberta hospital were investigated. From a total of 372 staff nurses, 75 nurses were randomly selected to complete a 129 question survey questionnaire. 45 nurses completed the questionnaire. Respondents reported experiencing a wide variety of stress-related symptoms including headaches, sleep disturbances, tiredness, frustration, moodiness and anxiety. Other findings from the study identified stressors in the workplace, sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and concerns about recognition and empowerment. The greatest stressors at work identified by respondents included no control over workload, feeling undervalued, inadequate staffing, highly demanding patients/family, work overload, and coworkers who don't make an equal contibution at work. The majority of respondents were satisfied with their jobs, the hospital as a place of work, and the quality of care provided to patients. However, sources of job dissatisfaction included pay and benefits (for LPNs), the gap in communication with administration, lack of support for continuing education, and poor promotional aspects. A discrepancy was also identified by the respondents in the importance of recognition from the different levels of management and the actual frequency of recognition. Recommendations to improve staff wellness, according to the respondents, included recognition programs, reducing workload, exercise facilities, improved communication with management, support groups and increased educational support. / vii, 153 leaves : col. ill. ; 28 cm.