Assessment of Nursing Students' Stress Levels and Coping Strategies During First Clinical Experience

Abstract

Objective: This study was performed to examine the stress levels of freshmen in the nursing students during their first clinical experience, their styles of coping with stress, and the relationship of those with each other and certain variables. 
 Methods: This descriptive study was performed with 91 freshmen in the nursing department of a university who experienced clinical placements for the first time. Data was collected using a student identification form, the clinical stress questionnaire and the stress-coping patterns scale.
 Results: Ninety-one students participated with the mean age of 19.94+2.91. The mean stress score of the students during their first clinical experience was found to be 29.16±7.92. When the stress coping styles of the students were examined, their mean self-confidence approach score was found to be 2.93±0.54, their seeking social support score was found to be 2.73±0.48, their optimistic approach score was found to be 2.68±0.61, their helpless/self-accusatory approach score was found to be 2.17±0.50, and their submissive approach score was found to be 1.84±0.44. The clinical stress levels of the students were found to be low and the students were found to use the confident approach most in coping with stress. 
 Conclusion: Nursing students should be taught stress coping methods to decrease the stress experienced during clinical placements and increasing the effectiveness of education.