Comparison of Mental Health Characteristics and Stress Between Baccalaureate Nursing Students and Non-Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Nurses consistently report the highest levels of job stress among all health professionals. To best prepare students for such a high-stress profession, insights into the onset of stress is warranted, especially with the literature supporting that nursing students experience significant stress during their education. Method: This study sought to explore the sources of stress among nursing students and to compare stress levels and selected mental health indicators between nursing students and the general student body using the paper-and-pencil version of the National College Health Assessment II. Results: Nursing students were found to have significantly more stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and stress-related illnesses than the general student body. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of self-care and stress management skills education in nurse preparatory programs for use in both academic preparation and in future careers. [ J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(2):87–90.]