Hanish Bhurtun1, Terhi Saaranen, Matti Estola, Hannele Turunen. 1. About the Authors Hanish Bhurtun, MSc, RN, is a PhD student, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. Terhi Saaranen, PhD, RN, PHN, is an acting professor and docent, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland. Matti Estola, PhD, is a senior lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, Joensuu Campus, University of Eastern Finland. Hannele Turunen, PhD, RN, is a full professor and chair, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland. For more information, contact Hanish Dev Bhurtun at hanishb@uef.fi.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of the study was to examine how first-year Finnish nursing students perceive stress and the coping strategies they use in the clinical learning environment. BACKGROUND: Stress from the clinical learning environment is a recurrent problem in nursing education. This topic has not been explored in the Finnish context. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study using data from 189 first-year nursing students. Students completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Behavior Inventory; t-tests and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Our sample rarely experienced stress, with a mean stress score of 1.07 (SD = 0.49). A commonly reported stressor was lack of professional knowledge and skills (M = 1.49, SD = 0.82). Transference was the most common coping strategy. CONCLUSION: Our findings may help nursing teachers understand stressors in the clinical learning environment and support their students to use effective coping strategies, such as problem-solving and optimistic attitudes.
AIM: The aim of the study was to examine how first-year Finnish nursing students perceive stress and the coping strategies they use in the clinical learning environment. BACKGROUND:Stress from the clinical learning environment is a recurrent problem in nursing education. This topic has not been explored in the Finnish context. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study using data from 189 first-year nursing students. Students completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Behavior Inventory; t-tests and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Our sample rarely experienced stress, with a mean stress score of 1.07 (SD = 0.49). A commonly reported stressor was lack of professional knowledge and skills (M = 1.49, SD = 0.82). Transference was the most common coping strategy. CONCLUSION: Our findings may help nursing teachers understand stressors in the clinical learning environment and support their students to use effective coping strategies, such as problem-solving and optimistic attitudes.