Nursing Students' Perception of Stress-Producing Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
Nursing Students' Perception of Stress-Producing Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
Author:
Constance Hall
Program of study:
Ed.D./CI
Abstract:
The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore and describe nursing students’ perceptions of experiences that caused stress and anxiety in their nursing program. The sample consisted of 15 nursing students enrolled in a diploma nursing program in southeast Arkansas. Through one-on-one interviews, the participants provided in-depth information regarding their perceptions and experiences related to stress in the nursing program. The data were examined through using Moustakas’ modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen approach to phenomenological analysis. The analysis resulted in five major themes regarding the participant’s perceptions of stress and anxiety while in a nursing program: (a) students experience stress and anxiety in the clinical setting, (b) students experience stress and anxiety in the classroom and skills lab, (c) students experience stress and anxiety because of inadequate financial resources, (d) mentoring and support from faculty reduce students’ perceived stress and anxiety, and (e) students apply various methods to cope with stress. The results of the study show that nursing students experience stress in the clinical setting, classroom, and skills lab; additionally, nursing students apply various methods to manage their stress, and students perceive reduced stress when faculty provide mentoring and support. Nursing leaders and educators must acknowledge nursing students’ stressors and the effects of stress on the students’ performance. Leaders and educators can use the findings of this study to develop and initiate strategies to decrease the stressors in nursing education, which may help students be more successful in the nursing program and become adept professional nurses.
Dedication:
This dissertation is dedicated to the love of my life, my loving husband, Cornelius Hall, who provided me with support, guidance, love, and understanding throughout my dissertation journey when I couldn’t focus and wanted to give up. I also dedicate this work to my daughters, Ariel and Tristen, who understood when I had to study, leave for residencies, and miss their events. I want to be an example to you that you can do and be whatever you want, if you put your mind to it. Thank you, Chelsie, for stepping in when I could not be there. I appreciate my family’s support during my most trying times, when they gave me some space. Without their unselfish love and support, maintaining and persevering through this process would not have been possible.
Acknowledgements:
I acknowledge my mentor and the chair of committee, Dr. Allatia Harris; the members of my committee, Dr. Eric Turner and Dr. Jimmie Chambers; and my enrollment counselor, Tina Poenisch. The feedback, encouragement, and support were greatly appreciated. The doctoral process was a very challenging and enlightening journey for me, and I could not have completed it without your expertise and help. Dr. Allatia, you have been a great inspiration to me. Thank you for being there and listening when I rambled and felt defeated and frustrated. I can never acknowledge you enough for being not only my mentor but also my friend.
I also would like to acknowledge God, who is the head of my life. Without him and prayer many nights, I could not have persevered. I am also sincerely grateful and owe my ability to keep going—no matter what happens in my life—to my mother, Jean May, and my father, the late Marcus May. Their words of encouragement throughout my life and doctoral journey have kept me steadfast to my goals. Andre, thank you for being a supportive brother and friend. Kennedy and Kingston, thank you for your smiles and laughter when I needed them most.
Thank you to my students and colleagues, who allowed me to pursue my lifelong goal by giving of themselves throughout this process. Tina, you are a very special friend—thank you for just being you. I could not have made it without you. If I have missed someone, charge it to my head and not my heart. Please know that I have appreciated you throughout this journey as well.