STRESS LEVELS AND COPING PATTERNS OF NURSING STUDENTS IN AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM PRACTICUM

Abstract

Background: The nursing profession is exposed to many stressful demands and pressures. Regarding appropriate coping patterns, the person must gain equilibrium with the ability to meet new demands.

Method: This study was conducted with a mixed-method research design with a sample of 78 junior nursing students based on Folkman & Lazarus's ways of coping.

Results: Nursing students at clinical practice experienced moderate level of stress (46.20%, n=36), and appraised this as a situation with emotions of challenge (= 2.67, S.D.=0.54, 33.90%). The stressful situations could be categorized into six themes: Persons as stressors; Inadequate knowledge and skills; Low self-esteem and self-confidence in their clinical practice without instructors; Incoherent theories and practice; Novelty; Inadequate learning facilities. Regarding ways of stress coping, the predominant ways of coping were seeking social support and adopting problem solving in a planned manner.

Conclusion: Preparing a clinical-teaching program should emphasize on providing social support, and enhancing knowledge and skills readily applicable to clinical practice.