Experiences of Stress by Nursing Students During Clinical Education: A Qualitative Descriptive, Phenomenological Study
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Authors
Cook, Lori
Issue Date
2026-04
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Educational Leadership & Learning Lifelong , Healthcare Innovation & Delivery , Nursing Students Stress , Nursing Students Clinical
Alternative Title
Abstract
Nursing students report stress during clinical education hours, which may lead to withdrawal from nursing school and limit the number of graduating nurses, further depleting the workforce. This study addressed the problem of stress among nursing students during clinical education hours. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological research study was to explore the lived experiences of stress among community college nursing students during clinical education hours and to identify programmatic supports that help alleviate these feelings. Guided by Neuman’s Systems Model (NSM), which describes the impact of unmanaged stress on groups and individuals, it is critical to understand the impact of stress experiences of nursing students during clinical education hours. Data were collected from five participants using semi-structured interviews. Participants identified that the traditional components of a nursing program, including caring for complex patients and clinical assignments, were sources of stress. The participants identified the clinical instructor as a stress reducer. Despite these stressful experiences, the participants remained dedicated to completing nursing school and beginning a career as a nurse. Findings were linked to academic, theoretical, and professional implications Recommendations for nursing program administrators include: (1) Close monitoring of students by clinical instructors, (2) Support synergy for lectures, lab, and clinical assignments, (3) Increase support for clinical instructors, (4) Encourage students to join a professional organization (5) Review collegewide services available to nursing students (6) Integrate stress management techniques and (7) Integrate Emotional Intelligence into the nursing program. Future research includes repeating this type of study using a quantitative research design or a sample population of baccalaureate nursing students.