Perceived sources of stress among student nurses

Questionnaire data was collected from a sample of 306 student nurses from three institutions (university, college of advanced education and hospital) during the second week of the first year of their course, and from 189 students from two of the institutions (university and CAE) at the conclusion of their first year of education. The main sources of stress on both occasions were essentially the same for women and men, and for students from the different institutions. These concerns focussed on study-related issues, the emotional demands of nursing, the use of technical equipment, interpersonal interaction, and lack of time for family and personal pursuits. It was suggested that these concerns could be reduced through the introduction of education in study skills, the provision of the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with technical equipment, and the development of social skills.