Stressors Perceived and Coping Behaviors Utilized by Nursing Students during Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background: In today’s ultracompetitive environment, students face more stress. It may be related to studies, examination, peer, teacher, or parent pressure. Nursing students’ stress in their clinical practice can be altered and influenced by the coping strategies.

Aims: The aims of the study were to assess the level of stress and to identify the common stressors; to describe the difference in stress level related to demographic data; and to identify coping behaviors used during clinical practice among B.Sc. Nursing Students.

Methodology: An evaluative research approach with the descriptive design was used. The level of stress was assessed through perceived stress scale and type of coping behaviors were assessed by Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences-coping behavior assessment. Data collected from 60 samples were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result: The analysis shows that 73% of the sample are female, 65% of them are 19 years old, 75% are interested in nursing, and 55% are with the family income of Rs. 5000–10,000/-. The most common type of stressor perceived by students was stress from peers and daily life (1.50 ± 1.24). In association with the demographic variables and level of stress among nursing students, the Chi-square obtained value is significant at 0.05 levels with gender, interest in nursing, year of studying, and religion and reveal that there is a significant association between them.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that nursing students experienced higher levels of stress in clinical practice. Hence, there is an urgent need for stress management programs and to take measures by the authorities such as a peaceful environment to reduce stress among the nursing students.