Lavoie-Tremblay M, Sanzone L, Aubé T, Paquet M. Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies Among Undergraduate Nursing Students Across All Years.
Can J Nurs Res 2021;
54:261-271. [PMID:
34192949 PMCID:
PMC9379378 DOI:
10.1177/08445621211028076]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Undergraduate nursing students experience high levels of stress
during their programs. The literature on their stress is
extensive, however, what is less well-known are the specific
sources of stresses for students in different years of
study.
Purpose
The aim of this study is to understand nursing students’ sources of
stress and coping strategies in each year of study.
Method
A transversal descriptive qualitative study was used. A sample of
26 undergraduate students attending a university in Montreal,
Canada were recruited and participated in a semi-structured
interview. Data were analysed using inductive thematic
analysis.
Results
The sources of stress differed according to year of study and
related significantly to the specific novelty of that year. For
first-year students, their stress was related to their academic
courses. High clinical performance expectations and a lack of
time for their personal lives was a main source of stress for
second-year students. The prospect of graduating and
transitioning into the work environment caused stress for
students in their final year. Students across all years of study
utilized similar coping strategies.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that interventions can be developed to address
the sources of stress experienced by nursing students in each
year of study.
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