Coping Strategies Among Level II Nursing Students on Challenges in Clinical Duty

Abstract

This study examined the coping strategies used by Level II nursing students at University of Perpetual Help System Manila in managing the challenges encountered during clinical duty. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, involving 164 Level II nursing students during the second semester of the Academic Year 2024–2025. Data were gathered using a validated survey questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, challenges encountered during clinical duty, and coping strategies categorized as problem-focused, emotion-focused, and negative coping. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Findings showed that students sometimes experienced challenges related to patient interaction and time-and-place factors, while performance-related challenges were encountered less frequently. Problem-focused coping emerged as the most consistently used strategy, followed by emotion-focused coping, whereas negative coping strategies were used occasionally. Age showed a statistically significant relationship with all types of coping strategies, while sex did not show a significant relationship. The results highlight the importance of providing developmentally appropriate support to nursing students during their early clinical exposure.