CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF STRESS AMONG POST BASIC NURSING STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the various causes of stress, the effects of stress and the coping strategies adopted by the post basic nursing students of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Stress is a subjective psycho-somatic pressure or instability posed by a stressor to a student either positively or negatively. The aims were to find out the factors causing stress, the effects of stressors on the students as well as identify the coping strategies adopted by the post basic student nurses. The significance of the study is to help educate and enlighten students more on stress and the strategies to cope with it. The study population comprised of all the students of: Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing School, School of Peri operative Nursing, School of Cardiothoracic Nursing and School of Nurse Anesthetists. In total, there were 103students. The descriptive method was used for the study and structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed and presented in tables and charts. After data analysis, findings revealed that students of Post Basic Nursing Schools of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu experience a lot of stress in the course of their post basic programme. Some factors were identified as the stressors. Analysis also, showed that these stressors have both positive and negative effects. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the students adopted scientific tested and proven strategies in coping with stress which help them to overcome the negative effects of stress. Based on the findings, it was recommended that: the unit responsible for the design and development of curriculum should review the current curriculum with the view of reducing the content. Entities that employ nursing services should sponsor their nurses in further training to reduce the financial constraints. Moreover, significant others, should support these students while in school. Finally, the students should help themselves to overcome the negative aspects of stress while in the school for training. This will help them to experience a less stressful post basic training.