Holistic health stress management program. Nursing student and client health outcomes

This descriptive study examines the application of stress management techniques by nursing students to their clients (i.e., patients, family members, friends) within a model holistic stress management nursing course. Out of 90 students, 88 completed a Client Teaching Relaxation Questionnaire during the course. Responses indicated a decrease in clients' perceived levels of discomfort following a stress reduction intervention (paired t = 18.7, df = 84, p < .0001). The students further reported that stress management skills were applicable to clients with a wide range of diagnoses in hospitals, homes, and other community settings. Imagery (52%) was documented as the predominant strategy taught to clients. Study results suggest that with teaching time allowed for self-mastery during the course, students can successfully apply these simple to complex stress management skills to many different clients, enhancing the caring aspect for both client and student. The course presented in this study provided students with essential foundational skills necessary to deal with client stress.