Stress and Health in Nursing Students: The Nurse Engagement and Wellness Study

Abstract

background Evidence suggests that behavioral, social, and environmental factors may alter the effects of life stress on the health and performance of new nurses as they move to hospitals. objectives The aim of this study was to describe the methods of a project designed to investigate the role of social, behavioral and environmental factors in changing the adverse effects of stress on new nurses and to discuss the demographic, health and stress characteristics of cohort life at the time. initial. Methods A prospective cohort project was used to conduct a comprehensive assessment of health objectives, life stress, behaviors, personal traits, social factors, indicators of involvement and performance, and environmental exposures to nursing students. Adjusted probability ratios and covariance analyzes were used to examine the associations between these factors at baseline. Results The health indicators in the cohort were comparable or better than in the larger population of the United States, and lifetime stress exposure was lower than among students in other major classes. Exposure to several stressors has been associated with an increased risk for various health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes and depression. Instead, better social, environmental, behavioral and personal profiles were associated with protective effects for the same health conditions. Discussion These data comprehensively summarize the lives of students attending predominantly Hispanic health care and highlight the risk and resistance factors associated with their health and well-being. The findings are timely, as the field of healthcare is diversifying in preparation for caring for a diverse and aging population. A comprehensive assessment of stress-health relationships among nursing students should inform nursing school policies, practices and programs to better prepare nurses to thrive in the often tiring healthcare environment.