The visualization of stress in clinical training: A study of nursing students' perceptions

Abstract

Aim: To determine the perceived level and types of stress experienced by nursing students during clinical training. Design: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design. Methods: A convenience sample of 238 nursing students was recruited. Level and types of stress were measured by Perceived Stress Scale. The data were collected in February 2020. Results: The mean score of perceived stress was 2.58 (SD 0.92). Different sources of stressors perceived by students were identified in current study. The highest type of stressors perceived by students was stress from taking care of patients (mean = 2.81, SD 1.13). In addition, junior students perceived higher level of stress than senior students and female students experienced a higher level of stress than male counterparts. Students who have been supervised by clinical instructors whom their “primary” language is English scored a higher level of stress.