Abstract
We conducted a survey to clarify the relationship between consciousness and strength of SOC (Sense of Coherence) of 86 nursing school students. The questionnaire was related to the ability to cope with and the degree of stress experienced during clinical practice.
The survey, as well as the SOC questionnaire, were carried out twice, once before and after the clinical training class during the first year of students. The results showed that most of the students felt a great deal of stress during clinical practice. Students who had higher SOC scores were better able to handle stress. In addition, students who showed an increase in SOC scores had a more positive attitude toward the clinical practice and were eager to succeed as nurses in the future. At the end of the clinical practice classes, the students with higher SOC scores showed a positive attitude and tended to cope well with stress as indicated by multiple regression analysis. These results suggest that SOC is closely related to the ability of nurses and there is a need for SOC education in the nursing school curriculum.
