Determination of the Relationship Between Clinical Practice Stress and Professional Self-Esteem in Nursing Students

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between clinical practice stress and professional self-esteem in nursing students in terms of some variables. The study is of a descriptive-relationship-seeking type. The study population consisted of 806 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year students studying at Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing in the fall semester of 2022-2023. It aimed to reach 261 students by calculating the sample of which the population of the study is known. The sample of the study was obtained by systematic sampling method. The data collection forms used were the Personal Information Questionnaire, the Clinical Stress Questionnaire, and the Professional Self-Esteem Scale. According to the research results, there is a statistically significant difference between the medians of the professional self-esteem scores related to department choice, satisfaction with the department, positive communication with instructors, and positive communication with medical staff (p< 0.001). As a result of our study, it was found that the older students, those who had voluntarily chosen the department, those who were satisfied with the department, those who had no difficulty meeting expectations, and those who were considering continuing in the profession had higher professional self-esteem. There was no relationship between clinical practice stress and professional self-esteem.