The need for a comprehensive counselling service for nursing students

The responses to 'given situations' in a questionnaire administered to 50 nursing students indicate that they are conscious of high stress factors in nursing. Role conflict is created when they are given instructions in the wards contrary to what they are taught in the schools of nursing. Some of the responses also indicated that learners may be developing attitudes which are contrary to what they are taught in the schools of nursing. Some of the response also indicated that learners may be developing attitudes which are contrary to good nursing practice as a protection from external pressure. The majority of the respondents had opportunities for discussion of their problems, but 28% were unsure about available facilities. The author argues that the counselling needs of nursing students must be met by provision of a comprehensive counselling service.