The Effect of the Orientation Program Performed for First Year Nursing and Midwifery Students on Their Clinical Stress

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of an orientation program performed for first year nursing and midwifery students on their clinical stress and to identify their experiences. Methods: The mixed method was used in this study, quasi-experimental and phenomenological type. The population of the study consisted of first- year students (n=117) in the nursing and midwifery department of a university in the 2018-2019 Spring Semester, and the sample consisted of first year students in the nursing and midwifery departments who agreed to participate in the research (n=94). The data were collected using student information form, Clinical Stress Questionnaire and a semi-structured form in which students could write their experiences. Results: It was determined that there was a significant difference between the sociodemographic and academic characteristics of the students and their clinical stress levels, the stress level was highest on the last day of clinical practice (28.39±6.97), and the difference was significant (p<.05). After the orientation program, the Threat subscale of clinical stress had the lowest (4.97±3.47), clinical stress total (28.39±6.97), Challenge (14.86±4.60), Loss (2.65±2.14), and Benefit (4.78±1.84) subscales of clinical stress. It was observed that it was the highest on the last day of the application and the difference between the groups was significant (p<.05).The students stated that "they got tired and excited" on the first day of the clinical practice and "they gained experience, their fear toward the profession decreased, and they controlled their excitement" on the last day. Conclusion: It was determined that the department (satisfaction, willingly choosing) and graduated high school affected the clinical stress level of the students and the orientation program only reduced the threat sub-dimension of the clinical stress score.