Nursing students' perceived stress and experiences in the care of patients with HepatitisB and C: A qualitative and qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the perceived stress and experiences in the care of patients with Hepatitis B and C. Materials and Methods: A mixed-method study, one group pre-post-test descriptive and qualitative, was conducted with 32 nursing students. Data were collected using the "Student Introduction Form", "Clinical Stress Questionnaire (CSQ)" and "Semi-structured interview form". Results: At the beginning of the practicum, the mean score of CSQ was 30.3410.29. At the end of the practicum, the mean score of CSQ was 37.627.24. We found a significant increase at the end of the practicum (t=-3.404; p=0.002). Three main (emotions experienced during the practicum, coping with stress, and effects at the end of the practicum) and 12 sub-themes were identified by phenomenological data analysis. Conclusions: It was concluded that the stress levels of the student nurses who care for patients with hepatitis B and C increased at the end of the practicum; the students experienced anxiety and emotional breakdowns in the patient care, they acted more carefully to cope with this situation, they sought social support, and the experience reduced their stress.