Changes in stress levels and coping strategies among Finnish nursing students. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhurtun, Hanish Dev; Turunen, Hannele; Estola, Matti; Saaranen, Terhi
• Is Part Of: Nurse education in practice. Volume 50(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Nurses -- Nursing student -- Clinical learning environment -- Stress -- Coping methods; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.73071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2020.102958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-5953

Abstract

Abstract: Nursing students may face significant stress in their clinical learning environment and may use coping strategies to alleviate such stresses. However, little empirical evidence exists about the evolution of such stresses and coping strategies across study years. The aim of this study was to explore changes in stress levels and coping strategies among nursing students in clinical learning environment. Nursing students (N = 131) were followed during their first and second study year. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were used to measure changes in the variables within the same cohort. Nurse students perceived more stress in their second clinical practice compared to first one, with mean scores of 1.03 and 1.66, respectively. Stress from lack of professional knowledge and skills remained the main stress factor while transference was the main coping strategy across the two study years. Nursing educators should support nursing students to develop effective coping strategies from clinical stressors, especially from stressors such as lack of professional knowledge and skills and prepare their students mentally for clinical placement. Highlights: Nursing students' stress levels evolve during their study years. Lack of professional knowledge and skills remains a significant stressor. Students cope by utilizing both problem-based and emotion-based strategies.