Introduction
Undoubtedly, nursing is a great career that has fulfilling experiences. Every student studying nursing has a dream of accomplishing their studies so that they enter the workforce and serve the community. However, the journey to this point is not easy as they are faced with many challenges. As a result of the challenges, nursing students are faced with stress which adversely affects their studies. This paper entails my stress score from Holmes and Rahe stress scale and the measures taken in dealing with the stress.
Analysis of the Stress Score
Stress is the physical or emotional response by individuals when under pressure or experiencing any form of threat ( Chernomas & Shapiro, 2013). Evidently, the score from Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale indicates a total score of 400.This significantly shows a higher risk of becoming ill in future. Undeniably, this high stress level has been attributed to various factors while studying nursing. First, nursing demand on academic performance is significantly high. This involves doing several assignments and examinations in testing the level of understanding of the subjects. As a result, the high workload leads to stress ( Chernomas & Shapiro, 2013).
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Moreover, exposure of a new clinical environment has considerably contributed to having stress. This is because of the fear of making mistakes while attending to patients at the clinical setup. These mistakes include misdiagnosis, wrong medication, and wrong medical procedures among others ( Gibbons et al., 2011). Moreover, the negative relationship between the instructors and I has significantly contributed to the high score. The instructors impose punishments in case of lateness to class. As a result, this leads to missing on certain classes which requires finding own time to study on missed lessons. Furthermore, there has been lack of emotional, physical and social support from my family. This has led to stress which has eventually affected my performance. Additionally, the inability to effectively balance school and house work has led to stress. However, there are various ways in effectively managing the stress.
First, frequent placement in a clinical setup is a good step in helping nursing students manages their stress levels. Ideally, most of the nursing students experience stress while handling patients in a clinical setup. Therefore, by consistently placing the students in a hospital setting where they have several clinical rotations will significantly help. This is because the student will have enough time to adequately familiarize with different medical conditions, medications, and procedures when dealing with patients. As a result, this will sharpen their skills in a clinical setup hence increase their ability to adequately handle any situation that arises in a calm way ( Reeve et al., 2013).
Second, peer mentoring is an important pillar in the management of stress levels of students. As noted above, nursing students suffer from intense level of stress as a result of clinical workups. Therefore, it is important for senior nursing students to actively teach the juniors. As a result, this ensures the juniors obtain first-hand information on how to deal with patients in hospitals. Moreover, peer mentoring boost the self-confidence of the students. As a result, this noticeably leads to reduction of stress levels ( Chernomas & Shapiro, 2013).
Third, counseling from the nursing teachers and nurses from the wards should be done effectively. In most cases, during ward rounds there are various situations that cause anxiety among nursing students. The situations include death of patients, heavy workload, unsupportive mentors, clinical unpreparedness, and conflicts with physicians. The anxiety level leads to stress in the students. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that nursing students receive mental and emotional care through counseling. This should be done before, during, and after clinical training ( Reeve et al., 2013).
Fourth, it is important for faculty members and teachers to act as good role models to the students. Ideally, the faculty of nursing evaluates students’ performance in clinical practice in the hospitals. Usually, there is constant evaluation and observation of the student while performing a certain procedure on a patient. As a result, this instills fear in students of making mistake thus buildup of stress. Therefore, it is important for the faculty members to act as role models to the students. They can actively become role models by engaging students in critical thinking. Notably, this increases self confidence in these students. Furthermore, the implementation of teaching strategies such as enhancing good communication, respect and trust between teachers and students results to less stress levels ( Reeve et al., 2013).
Fifth, ensuring a positive relationship between the staff and the students greatly leads to reduction of stress among students. Evidently, having a sense of belonging cultivates high self-esteem, promotes well-being, and reduces stress and depression among students. Therefore, it is important for nursing staff to warmly welcome nursing students. As a result, the students feel appreciated and valued. In turn, there is reduction in students stress levels. Notably, with less stress levels there is improvement in performance ( Gibbons et al., 2011).
Sixth, adequate support from friends and families significantly help in stress reduction. For instance, talking to friends provides the social support through socialization thus reduction in stress. Moreover, conversation with parents helps in calming mental and emotional stress ( Reeve et al., 2013). Furthermore, t raining in nursing takes a toll on the physical, mental, and emotional part of the students. Therefore, it is important for the students to actively involve themselves in exercise. This can be done at least three times a week. As a result, the students adequately manage their stress levels.
Seven, it is important for student to have adequate sleep time .Ideally, studying nursing demands a lot of time .Nursing students always spend huge amount of time in studying various medical conditions and medications.Therefore, they require ample sleeping time to get enough rest. As a result of adequate sleep there is significant improvement in performance and well-being ( Chernomas & Shapiro, 2013).
Finally, it is important to organize frequent workshops as it significantly helps students in management of stress. This usually happens when the faculty organizes workshops and invites students to attend. Therefore, during the workshop the students state the different stressors they experience in the course of learning. Thereafter, ways in managing the stress levels are discussed thoroughly. As a result, this has shown positive outcome in management of stress ( Reeve et al., 2013).
References
Chernomas, W. M., & Shapiro, C. (2013). Stress, depression, and anxiety among undergraduate nursing students. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship , 10 (1), 255-266.
Gibbons, C., Dempster, M., & Moutray, M. (2011). Stress, coping and satisfaction in nursing students. Journal of advanced nursing , 67 (3), 621-632.
Reeve, K. L., Shumaker, C. J., Yearwood, E. L., Crowell, N. A., & Riley, J. B. (2013). Perceived stress and social support in undergraduate nursing students' educational experiences. Nurse Education Today , 33 (4), 419-424.
