The transition from nursing student to practicing nurse is not merely a change in title; it embodies a profound shift in responsibilities, expectations, and the psychological landscape of those involved. Recent research by Han, Nagduar, and Yu has drawn attention to the vital aspects that influence this transition: clinical competence, anxiety, and resilience. This study, published in BMC Nursing, emphasizes the intricate web of factors that nursing students must navigate as they step into real-world clinical environments.
In nursing education, students are often immersed in theoretical knowledge and skills training. However, the reality of clinical practice introduces a host of new challenges that can provoke varying degrees of anxiety. The study identifies anxiety not only as a potential hindrance to performance but also as an emotional response that can dictate the quality of care provided by nursing students during their hands-on experiences. This scholarly work delves into the dual nature of anxiety while considering its potential positive and negative impacts on nursing practice.
As nursing students advance through their educational programs, they acquire clinical competences that ideally prepare them for their roles. However, the experience of applying learned skills in real-life situations can evoke anxiety, especially when students perceive their competencies as insufficient. Here, the researchers propose a critical link: heightened anxiety can impair clinical performance, underscoring the need for robust preparation that encompasses both technical skill and emotional readiness. The study makes a compelling argument for a balanced approach to nursing education that embraces the psychological nuances of patient care.
Resilience emerges as a pivotal theme in the study. Resilience, defined as the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, has significant implications for nursing students transitioning to clinical practice. The authors present resilience as a protective factor that mitigates the negative effects of anxiety, allowing students to approach challenges with a more positive and constructive mindset. The research aims to pave the way for interventions that bolster resilience among nursing students, ultimately leading to more effective transitions into their professional roles.
One core finding of the study indicates that students who exhibit high levels of clinical competence tend to demonstrate greater resilience in the face of anxiety. This correlation suggests that an emphasis on skill acquisition could strengthen resilience, instilling confidence that buffers against stressors encountered in clinical environments. By cultivating a strong foundation of clinical skills, educators can foster not only proficiency but also the psychological fortitude needed to thrive in the nursing profession.
Moreover, the research shines a light on the implications of these findings for nursing curricula. Educational institutions are encouraged to integrate training that specifically targets both emotional and clinical domains. This multifaceted approach not only prepares students for the technical aspects of nursing but also equips them with coping mechanisms to handle the inevitable challenges they will encounter. The study prompts educators to reconsider traditional pedagogical methods, advocating for innovative strategies that prioritize the cultivation of resilience alongside clinical competence.
As this dialogue unfolds within nursing education, it reflects a broader recognition of the psychosocial elements that shape healthcare delivery. Acknowledging the emotional realities faced by nursing students during their role transitions can lead to transformative changes in educational practices. Fellow researchers and practitioners in the field are invited to explore how these insights can inform future studies and interventions designed to enhance both the educational experience and clinical outcomes for nursing students.
Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the researchers gathered data that illustrates the complexities of anxiety, competence, and resilience. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights for nursing educators, administrators, and policymakers who are invested in the success of future nursing professionals. The resultant framework developed from the research highlights areas for further study and practical application, ultimately aiming to bolster the confidence of nursing students as they embark on their clinical journeys.
In essence, the findings resonate with a pressing need for structured support systems that address the full spectrum of nursing students’ experiences. The emotional health of future nurses should be prioritized, recognizing that mental well-being is as crucial as technical ability for effective patient care. Creating environments that promote openness about anxiety and mental health can reduce stigma and empower nursing students to seek help when needed.
The implications of this study extend beyond nursing education; they reflect our understanding of workforce dynamics in healthcare. As nursing professionals are increasingly called upon to adapt to the evolving demands of the healthcare system, resilience, and competence will be essential. Preparing students with these qualities could fortify the entire profession against the stresses that accompany patient care in high-stakes environments.
In conclusion, the investigation into the interplay between clinical competence, anxiety, and resilience during the pivotal transition of nursing students emerges as a vital conversation in both academia and the professional realm. Future research and reforms in nursing education stand to benefit immensely from these findings, ultimately shaping a generation of nurses who are not only skilled but also emotionally resilient.
As the field of nursing continues to progress, the insights shared by Han, Nagduar, and Yu offer a pathway towards a more enlightened and supportive educational framework that recognizes the importance of both technical expertise and emotional well-being. A commitment to cultivating resilience and addressing anxiety within nursing education could yield significant human and professional dividends in the years to come.
Future inquiries may uncover additional layers of this complex relationship, potentially exploring how various demographic factors might influence clinical competence, anxiety, and resilience among nursing students. As we forge ahead, it is incumbent upon nursing educators to harness these findings to create innovative and holistic training models that prepare students for the rewarding yet challenging journey of nursing.
By prioritizing a balanced educational approach that embraces skill development alongside emotional intelligence, we can ensure that the next generation of nurses is equipped not only to enhance patient outcomes but also to navigate their own professional journeys with confidence and resilience.
This groundbreaking research thus serves as a clarion call to the nursing community, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the experiences that shape nursing students during one of the most critical transitions of their careers.
Subject of Research: The impact of nursing students’ clinical competence, anxiety, and resilience on role transition during clinical practice.
Article Title: The impact of nursing students’ clinical competence, anxiety and resilience on role transition during clinical practice.
Article References:
Han, SJ., Nagduar, S. & Yu, HJ. The impact of nursing students’ clinical competence, anxiety and resilience on role transition during clinical practice. BMC Nurs 24, 1490 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04130-5
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04130-5
Keywords: Clinical competence, anxiety, resilience, nursing education, role transition, nursing students.
Tags: anxiety in nursing practiceclinical competence in nursingcoping strategies for nursing studentsemotional responses in nursingfactors influencing nursing practicehands-on clinical experienceimpact of anxiety on patient carenursing education challengesnursing student preparednesspsychological aspects of nursingresilience in healthcare studentstransition from student to nurse
