The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the stress reported by nurses and patients. Thirty-four nurses in a London teaching hospital completed the nurse stress index and the Spielberger state trait anxiety inventory, and attitudes towards the ward and nursing care were measured in 52 patients. Nurses in the sample reported significantly greater problems than the norm in dealing with stress (as measured by the nurse stress index). In particular, they expressed difficulty in dealing with patients and their relatives, with conflict between home and work, and with and pressure resulting from problems concerning confidence and competence in the role. Patients were generally satisfied with the health care they received. There was a positive relationship between the time that patients spent talking to nurses and the degree to which nurses were perceived as helpful. Results are discussed in terms of possibilities for further research and implications for the design of future intervention programmes aimed at reducing job-related stress in hospitals.