The issues of job stress, coping and burnout among nurses seems to be of universal concern to managers and administrators in the area of health care. This is because nurses are the backbone of the health industry. This study investigated the sources, patterns and coping strategies for occupational stress among nurses in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi Anambra State. The study sought answers to three research objectives. Using Taro Yamane’s formula for calculating sample size a total number of two hundred and thirty four (234) nurses were recruited using convenient sampling technique. The questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts and a reliability coefficient of 0.88. Frequency counts, percentages were used to answer the research objectives. The major findings of the study showed that major sources of occupational stress include poor problem-solving system 124 (52.99%), excessive workload 120 (51.28%) and long hours of work  116 (49.54%). The types of occupational stress experienced by nurses include task design related stress 124 (52.99%), work role stress 110 (47.01%), physical violence and harassment 107 (45.72%) and psychological stress 100 (42.73%). The common occupational stress coping strategies adopted by nurses include ventilation of feelings 110 (47.01), effective time management 100 (42.73%) and avoidance of unnecessary stress. There is need for training and retraining of nurses to be able to adopt and use appropriate and positive coping strategies, hospital management and related stakeholders should be provide healthcare providers with work friendly environment and take crucial steps to resolve or minimize the issue of job stress in hospitals.