Hassles, uplifts, and anxiety reported by Post-RN students in a BScN programme

This study examined the daily hassles, uplifts and anxiety of registered nurse students (Post-RN) during a Community Health Nursing challenge examination in a baccalaureate nursing programme. The objectives of the first phase of this study were 1) to identify the daily hassles, uplifts and anxiety experienced by distance education and on-campus students and 2) to examine relationships among these variables and selected sociodemographic factors. Spielberger's (1983) State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Folkman and Lazarus' (1989) Hassles and Uplifts questionnaire were utilised. State anxiety levels were found to be higher than those of female working adults (Spielberger 1983). As well, on-campus students had higher state anxiety levels than distance education students. Trait anxiety differed significantly by age. Except for employment status, sociodemographic factors had no impact on hassles or uplifts. Unemployed subjects experienced significantly greater intensity of uplifts than subjects employed in a hospital setting. Hassles contributed significantly to the anxiety expressed by registered nurse students. As anticipated for women fulfilling multiple family, work and student roles, time pressure emerged as the most important hassle factor. Future research is planned to further explore hassles, uplifts and anxiety as Post-RN students progress through a baccalaureate nursing programme.