Psychosocial Determinants of Stress Perceived among Polish Nursing Students during Their Education in Clinical Practice.

Iwona Bodys-Cupak,Maria Kózka,Lucyna Ścisło

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063410

Abstract

Background: Nursing students’ education process is related to the occurrence of difficult and stressful situations, especially during clinical placement. The purpose of the education is to develop critical thinking, clinical decision making and teamwork skills in students. This process should allow the students to integrate into the clinical environment and develop their professional identity. The goal of this research was to assess the relationship between perceived stress and psychosocial factors. Methods: The research was conducted in 2019 among 307 nursing students in Poland. Research questionnaires used in the study were: Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, Life Orientation Test-R and Clinical Learning Environment Inventory. Results: There was a significant correlation between stress perceived by the surveyed nursing students and psychosocial components as well as teacher support and student’s satisfaction with clinical education. Satisfaction with the clinical education during the implementation of clinical activities was the highest in people experiencing a low level of stress. The highest level of teacher support was reported by people experiencing a higher level of stress. Conclusion: A higher level of perceived stress corresponded to a lower level of self-efficacy, lower life satisfaction, lower life orientation and lower self-esteem of students.

Highlights

One of the most crucial points of the education of nursing students is that the classes are conducted within a clinical environment, where the application of theoretical knowledge in practice is of key importance
The largest group among the respondents (N = 195, i.e., 63.5%) comprised students who perceived a high level of stress
The level of stress was higher in people with low self-esteem who had a low sense of satisfaction with life and people who were more pessimistic about life

Summary

Introduction

One of the most crucial points of the education of nursing students is that the classes are conducted within a clinical environment, where the application of theoretical knowledge in practice is of key importance. The purpose of the education process is to develop critical thinking, clinical decision making and teamwork skills in students. This process should allow the students to integrate into the clinical environment and develop their professional identity [1–3]. During undergraduate studies, nursing students in EU countries, including Poland, complete 2300 h of apprenticeship in direct contact with the patient. They are exposed to various stressors directly attributed to the clinical learning environment. Especially during clinical classes, students experience new situations. They often perform complex activities that require exceptional manual dexterity. The perception of stress by the students in nursing schools is significantly higher as compared to the students of other disciplines [4–9]

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Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion