Sudha C. Patel, RN, MN, MA, DNS : Self-reported life stressors among students in their first nursing course.

Abstract Introduction: Stress among nursing students is a paramount concern of nursing educators because high stress levels often lead to decreased learning and higher drop-out rates. Moderate to high levels of stress have been found to have a negative effect on learning and impaired judgment. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the level of stress experienced by nursing students enrolled in their first nursing course.

Olayinka O. Omigbodun, MPH, FMCPsych;: Common stressors included excessive schoolwork, financial problems, inadequate recreational facilities, and overcrowded accommodations. There was an association between reporting inconsiderate, insensitive lecturers as stressors and evidence of psychological distress. Nearly 60% of the respondents felt counseling would help them, and most desired counseling for academics, finances, and relationships. Most (78%) of the respondents preferred an independent facility with trained counselors. Desired characteristics for the services included accessibility, affordability, confidentiality, and a friendly atmosphere. Educators and administrators should use this information to design counseling facilities for students.
McVICAR A. (2003) Journal

of Advanced Nursing 44(6), 633642 Workplace stress in nursing: a literature review Background. Stress perception is highly subjective, and so the complexity of nursing practice may result in variation between nurses in their identification of sources of stress, especially when the workplace and roles of nurses are changing, as is currently occurring in the United Kingdom health service. This could have implications for measures being introduced to address problems of stress in nursing. Aims. To identify nurses perceptions of workplace stress, consider the potential effectiveness of initiatives to reduce distress, and identify directions for future research.