A descriptive study of Bruneian student nurses’ perceptions of stress

Abstract

While much has been written about stress in nursing in the 'West', less research has been done on this issue in many 'Eastern' countries. This paper offers the findings of the first study of stress in student nurses in Brunei. The paper describes a study of 20 Brunei nursing students and their views about stress in nursing. A modified grounded theory approach was used in collecting and analysing data (and the 'modifications' are described). Findings were organised around the themes: stressors, moderators and outcomes [Carson, J., and Kuipers, E., 1998. Stress management interventions. In: Hardy, S., Carson, J., Thomas, B. (Eds.), Occupational Stress: Personal and Professional Approaches. Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham. pp. 157-174.]. Students often found their status as students caused them stress in the clinical setting: with other nurses, with doctors and even with patients. Academic related stressors included having to complete assignments and having to study in English. Various ways of moderating stress were reported including talking to 'trusted friends', engaging in sports or simply being quiet. Positive and negative outcomes of stress were identified: stress could lead to mental illness but, also, it could be motivating. This report concludes with a Weberian 'ideal type': a composite word-picture of the findings.