Stress among post graduate nursing students and its contributing factors

Postgraduate nursing students encounter diverse stressors stemming from both curricular demands and personal circumstances within the professional environment. This study endeavors to discern the spectrum of stress experienced by postgraduate nursing students and its determinants. Drawing upon the Nursing Students Stress and Wellbeing Model (NSSWM) as its conceptual framework, a descriptive survey design was employed. The study took place across nine distinct nursing colleges in Kerala, with a sample of 100 postgraduate nursing students from the first and second years selected via convenience sampling. Data collection utilized a 54-item rating scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings unveiled that 69% of postgraduate nursing students experienced moderate stress, while 19% reported mild stress, and 12% reported severe stress. Notably, a significant association between the year of clinical experience and stress levels was observed. This study contributes valuable insights into understanding the stress landscape among postgraduate nursing students studying at Kerala.