This study examines the perceived causes of occupational stress amongst female Registered Nurses working in the clinical setting at both Calvary Public and Calvary Private Hospitals ACT Incorporated. A modified Gray-Toft, Anderson Nursing Stress Scale (1981) was used as the instrument for the research. The questionnaire was modified by the addition of six questions. The questionnaire was distributed to seventy female Registered Nurses. Twenty questionnaires were distributed to staff working within the Private Hospital and fifty to staff in the Public Hospital. Relevant data dating back to 1956 was examined regarding stress and burnout amongst nurses and allied health professionals. The results of this study, not surprisingly, supported the finding of Gray-Toft, Anderson. That is that nursing remains an inherently stressful occupation. Respondents working in both public and private hospitals indicated that Lack of Funding and Death and Dying were considered to be major sources of perceived stress. Registered Nurses working in the Public Hospital perceive higher levels of stress than do those Registered Nurses working within the Private Hospital with respect to relative staffing levels, workload and funding. Comparisons by age group indicated a generally higher reported level for the youngest age group. Comparison of full time versus part time staff indicated a significantly higher level of perceived stress from full time staff. Analysis of reported stress by ward type indicated that staff working in the "medical" groupings experienced higher perceived levels of stress than those working in the "surgical" groupings.