Nursing Students’ Stress Management in Relation to the Level of Stress and Clinical Performance in Related Learning Experiences

Effective stress management is crucial for nursing students as they navigate the demands of their education and clinical training. This study examined the relationship between stress management, stress levels, and clinical performance among nursing students at a higher education institution in Ozamiz City offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Using a descriptive-correlational survey design, the study randomly selected 123 third-year nursing students as respondents. Researcher-made questionnaires assessed their stress management, stress levels in clinical settings, and readiness for clinical performance. Documentary analysis also reviewed their grades in Related Learning Experiences (RLE). Data were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The respondents demonstrated very good stress management skills, including coping strategies, resilience, emotional regulation, stress reduction activities, and mindfulness. Stress levels were notably high, particularly related to patient care responsibilities, with moderate to high stress stemming from clinical environment factors, instructor evaluations, interpersonal challenges, and ethical considerations. Despite these high stress levels, the students maintained satisfactory clinical readiness and fair to satisfactory RLE grades. The study found that strong stress management skills helped manage stress levels but did not significantly impact clinical performance outcomes. In conclusion, fostering effective stress management remains essential for nursing students' well-being. Encouraging self-care practices and implementing stress-reduction strategies within clinical instruction could create a more supportive learning environment, promoting student resilience and success in clinical settings.