Nursing students' perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts mental well-being and educational environment

BACKGROUND: Challenging work conditions put over 20 million U.S. health workers, including nurses, at risk for mental health problems. Mental health concerns among nurses and nursing students include anxiety, burnout, and stress which can lead to substance abuse and suicidal behavior. Nursing students practice in environments where they are exposed to complex challenges and high-stress situations that can lead to a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders. As nursing students attempt to adapt to a post-pandemic educational environment, it is important to identify perceptions of nursing students' mental well-being. METHODS: A qualitative design was utilized using a descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of BSN students (n = 11) from the southeastern U.S. Content analysis and coding were utilized in the study. RESULTS: Coping strategies and coping skills are imperative for nursing students to thrive in the educational environment, which includes a multitude of stressors that can negatively impact academic success. The rigorous workload of nursing schools, lack of support, financial challenges, and lack of experience are contributing factors that lead to decreased mental well-being among nursing students. CONCLUSION: Interventions that aid in recognizing students at high risk for negative mental health outcomes must be implemented to ensure academic success. Implementing interventions to support healthy mental well-being among nursing students can also create an educational environment that prepares students to provide high-quality, safe, and effective patient care.