EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF CLINICAL PRACTICE AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON STRESS EXPERIENCE IN STUDENTS

Abstract

Aim: With this study, it was aimed to evaluate the clinical practice and the effect of the Covid 19 pandemic on the stress experience of midwifery students. Method: The research is a descriptive survey conducted in the midwifery department of a university. The universe of the study consisted of 294 students who were educated in the midwifery department and went into clinical practice. 268 students who agreed to participate in the study formed the sample of the study. The research was carried out using the participant introduction form developed by the researchers in line with the literature. The participant introduction form consists of 13 questions including sociodemographic data, stress status and information about covid-19. Results: The 4th graders' level of stress is higher than the students in other grades. The mean age of those who gave the stress level score a 5 is higher than the other stress level scores. 76.5% of the students stated that they experienced stress before going to clinical practice. There is a statistically significant relationship between the stress level and the distance from the clinical practice area to the living area. Conclusions: The stress level of students who practice in the clinical field is different. It is very important to provide new opportunities for students, to provide psychological support and to make students feel that we are with them.