From students to nurses under pressure: Nursing students' entry into employment during the first COVID‐19 wave

Abstract

Aims and objectiveTo describe the experiences of nursing students and their mental health as they entered employment during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (May–June 2020).BackgroundAs other healthcare professionals, nursing students who worked during the first COVID‐19 wave suffered from dysfunctional mental health symptoms.DesignSequential, mixed‐method, multicentre study.MethodsThe study population comprised 92 students in the third and fourth year of the Nursing degree at three Spanish universities, who entered employment during the pandemic. Data were collected between May and June 2020. In the quantitative phase, data were collected using an online questionnaire containing both validated anxiety and stress scales. In the qualitative phase, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data and a reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative data were carried out, and analyses were combined. COREQ checklist was used for reporting.ResultsThe combined quantitative and qualitative results were organised into five thematic areas: (1) Interruption of clinical placements, (2) Entering employment on a healthcare assistant contract, (3) Preventing contagion, (4) Adapting to the situation and managing emotions, and (5) Lessons learned.ConclusionThe students had a positive overall experience of entering employment, as they were able to develop their nursing skills. However, they had an emotional impact in form of stress caused by excessive responsibility, academic uncertainty, lack of personal protective equipment and training in its use, and the possibility of spreading disease to their family members.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIn the current context, changes must be made in study programmes to instruct nursing students to be able to cope with extreme clinical situations, such as pandemics. The programmes should include a more extensive coverage of epidemics and pandemics and management of emotional aspects such as resilience.

Artificial intelligence significantly facilitates development in the mental health of college students: a bibliometric analysis

“…Prolonged social deprivation may contribute to the accumulation of emotional issues, negatively impacting the mental health of college students ( Lim et al, 2022 ; Sun et al, 2023 ). Additionally, the pandemic heightened stress and burdens for college students, who may experience increased academic pressure and uncertainties about the future, leading to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression ( Robledo-Martin et al, 2023 ) To safeguard the mental health of college students, it is crucial to adopt proactive psychological adjustment strategies. Recommendations include maintaining social connections, seeking social support, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and learning effective stress management and emotional regulation methods.…”

“…Visualization of keywords average year map from 2002 to 2022. (Robledo-Martin et al, 2023) To safeguard the mental health of college students, it is crucial to adopt proactive psychological adjustment strategies. Recommendations include maintaining social connections, seeking social support, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and learning effective stress management and emotional regulation methods.…”

Estrés y ansiedad en estudiantes de enfermería durante la primera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19

“…Although not statistically significant, the students at UPV/EHU scored the highest on stress and anxiety. This could be explained by a possible delay in communica- tion from the university on how to compensate for pending assessments and the offer of contracts by the regional health system (29) .…”