Exploring Challenges and Resilience
Exploring Challenges and Resilience
Exploring Challenges and Resilience
Introduction
Nursing students encounter several challenges throughout their educational process, first of
which is the academic workload and clinical practice. The process of becoming a nurse is not an
easy task and this research study seeks to find out more about the difficulties faced by nursing
students and the level of resilience of the nursing students Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Stated by Nabeel et al.(2024), nursing students are exposed to stress from different sources,
including the clinical environment, unfriendly clinical tutors, feelings of disconnection, multiple
expectations of clinical staff and patients, and gaps between the curriculum of theory classes and
labatories skills and students’ clinical experiences. As such, this investigation aims to identify
not only the challenges faced by these students but also the approaches that they employ to cope
The rationale for this study was realized from the fact that nursing students encounter a lot of
stressors and demands in their course of study. The journey to becoming a nurse begins with
hours of cramming for tests and extends to the stress of dealing with patients during clinical
assignments, which makes it quite demanding. According to Rusnani et al.(2019), that clinical
assignment was the main stressor among nursing students; therefore, successful activities should
be promoted to help them in managing clinical assignment and enhancing knowledge in religion.
perform well at their study despite these challenges. Some of the benefits of learning about the
difficulties of these students as well as their ability to cope are also explored.
The following are some of the reasons why this study is important: A major concern of this
study is to establish the learning barriers. Knowing these difficulties allows educators and
facilities to identify the factors that threaten the achievements of nursing students. The
knowledge is, therefore, vital in designing and implementing intercessions and support programs
that might enable students to overcome the challenges and excel in their learning. Discussed by
Sara et al.(2022), efforts to consciously teach, supervise, and challenge students to have
independence in the clinical area will promote clinical teaching and learning. Therefore, nursing
educational institutions and all other stakeholders need to collaborate in eliminating the
Student welfare is also a major reason why this research will be effected as a way of
enhancing the wellbeing of the students. Another important issue, familiar to all who attend and
teach nursing, is the fact that it is a very stressful profession, no wonder students absorb these
pressures as well. Studying experience of nursing students can determine obstacles which have to
be removed or further work have to be done to improve mental health condition and students’
quality of life. This pointed out that with suitable resources and support, stress can be reduced
Therefore, improving resilience amongst the nurses, the subjects of this research study, is a
major area of interest. It is crucial to understand that resilience is another significant attribute of
any profession in nursing because it is very important to know how to overcome difficulties and
failure. Understanding patterns of resilience in nursing students can also help in understanding
how these students build personal KU coping and resilience resources as well as withstanding
protective factors in the face of adversity. This awareness can help in designing efforts, which
may aim to develop resilience more strongly in future nursing student groups.
This type of research can also provide data necessary to enhance existing learning techniques.
Therefore, with a view of establishing how nursing students experience their learning practice, it
is esteemed suitable to explore the challenges with an end view of detailing the teaching methods
and curriculum adjustments that can assist the students to attain better learning outcomes. To
tackle these challenges, the following recommendations have been forwarded educate in a way
Furthermore, it is beneficial since it may guide policy formulation and execution in nursing
education. Perhaps, the findings of this study may be useful to improve the educational policies
at the different levels, clinical training programs for students and overhauling the student’s
support systems. These enhancements might extend a better service delivery to the nursing
Finally, the knowledge of potential obstacles and coping strategies used by nursing students
can be useful in the course of promoting their professional growth. Asking engagement to focus
on the development of the capabilities that enable the students to overcome difficulties and
develop resilience more effectively will benefit students as more options for their successful
careers in healthcare are opening before them. We can also engage approaches that enhance
resiliency in future nurses and consequently offer excellent patient care alongside managing
Collectively, this study is expected to address several holes in the current literature and even
the system of healthcare education. It aims to appreciate the lack of comprehendible experiences
of certain difficulties faced by the nursing students, the dearth of social support resources, and
the lack of resilience enhancement measures. There is also an emphasis on how the findings of
the challenges are likely to affect learning outcomes and how these results can be used, in the
teaching learning setting. The aim of answering questions related to the difficulties faced by
nursing students in Ateneo de Zamboanga University as well as their level of resilience, and
opportunities that may be used to mediate on the difficulties found will contribute to the
University.
Explained by Andrew et al.(2019), that the basic social process of 'pushing through' emerged
process to withstand challenges in their academic lives. This process was comprised of three
main phases: 'stepping into', 'staying the course' and 'acknowledging'. 'Pushing through' also
included a transient 'disengaging' process where students were temporarily unable to push
through their adversities. The process of 'pushing through' was based on a progressive trajectory,
which implied that nursing students enacted the process to make progress in their academic lives
and to attain goals. Study findings provide important evidence for understanding the
phenomenon of resilience as a dynamic, contextual process that can be learnt and developed,
The reviewed literature on the basic social process of 'pushing through' is highly relevant to
the study exploring challenges and resilience among nursing students at Ateneo de Zamboanga
process rather than a static trait. This process involves three main phases: 'stepping into', 'staying
the course', and 'acknowledging', along with a transient phase of 'disengaging'. These insights
align closely with the study's aim to investigate the specific challenges nursing students face and
the strategies they use to overcome them. By examining how students 'push through' their
adversities, the study can provide a deeper understanding of resilience as a learnable and
developable process. This understanding can inform the development of targeted interventions
and support mechanisms to enhance resilience among nursing students, ultimately improving
The study of Margareta et al.(2023), revealed three current research focuses related to nursing
students' resilience: the concept and description of resilience, the characteristics affecting
resilience and the mediating role of resilience in maintaining holistic health. Recommendations
include adding a resilience topic to the nursing curriculum, providing resilience enhancement
programs, examining the relationship between resilience and holistic health and exploring the
infl The reviewed literature reveals three primary research focuses relevant to nursing students'
resilience: the concept and description of resilience, the characteristics affecting resilience, and
its mediating role in maintaining holistic health. These areas of focus are crucial for the study
exploring challenges and resilience among nursing students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Understanding resilience conceptually and descriptively, identifying the traits that enhance
resilience, and recognizing its role in holistic health can inform the development of effective
educational strategies and support systems. The study's findings can contribute to
resilience and overall well-being. Additionally, exploring resilience in the context of global
health crises can provide valuable insights into preparing nursing students for future challenges
nursing education contribute to resilience in nursing students, thus influencing their readiness to
care.
pivotal in fostering resilience among nursing students, alongside a variety of support strategies in
nursing education. This finding is highly relevant to the study exploring challenges and resilience
of a trustworthy learning environment and effective support strategies, this study can highlight
the elements that significantly contribute to students' resilience. The implications include the
potential to enhance nursing curricula and institutional practices to create a more supportive and
trustworthy educational atmosphere. This, in turn, can better prepare nursing students for the
demands of their future careers, ensuring they are more resilient and ready to provide high-
The study of Alfonso et al.(2024), found that resilience increased from positive affect
increased from, and the negative affect score decreased from. The study also found that married
relationships. Furthermore, the change in resilience was greater in men than in women.
Throughout their four-year training, nursing students experience an increase in resilience and
The reviewed literature reveals that resilience in nursing students tends to increase alongside
positive affect, while negative affect decreases over their four-year training period. It also notes
that married individuals experience higher negative affect compared to singles or those in open
relationships, and that resilience growth is more pronounced in men than in women. These
findings are highly relevant to the study on challenges and resilience among nursing students at
Ateneo de Zamboanga University, as they underscore the dynamic nature of resilience and its
relationship with affective states. Understanding these patterns can help educators tailor support
strategies to foster resilience more effectively, taking into account factors such as marital status
and gender. This can lead to more personalized interventions aimed at enhancing students' well-
being and their ability to cope with academic and clinical demands.
According to Deborah et al.(2018), that resilience was measured using the Connor-Davidson
Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) and an open-ended question about the experience of resilience.
The mean score indicated a moderate level of resilience among nursing students, with only a
third of the sample considered resilient. Qualitative data highlighted academic stressors and
support resources that contribute to resilience. These findings emphasize the importance of
resilience in nursing students and suggest that nurse educators should focus on helping students
develop resilience. This approach can better prepare students for academic success and ensure a
The reviewed literature, which measured resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience
Scale (CD-RISC-25) and identified key academic stressors and support resources, is highly
relevant to the study exploring challenges and resilience among nursing students at Ateneo de
Zamboanga University. The findings, which indicate a moderate level of resilience with only a
third of students considered resilient, underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to
bolster resilience in nursing students. By focusing on developing resilience, nurse educators can
help students better manage academic stressors, improve their chances of academic success, and
facilitate a smoother transition into their professional roles. This study can provide valuable
insights into the specific challenges faced by nursing students and effective support strategies,
The outcome of the study of Ahmad et al.(2024), indicated that university-based nursing
students who exhibit higher levels of resilience have more positive perceptions of their well-
being. Moreover, postgraduate students exhibit more significant resilience levels than
undergraduate students.
The reviewed literature indicating that university-based nursing students with higher levels of
resilience have more positive perceptions of their well-being, and that postgraduate students
exhibit greater resilience than undergraduates, is highly relevant to the study exploring
challenges and resilience among nursing students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. These
findings highlight the crucial link between resilience and well-being, suggesting that enhancing
resilience can lead to better mental and emotional health among nursing students. The distinction
between undergraduate and postgraduate resilience levels points to the potential benefits of
continued education and experience in building resilience. This study can use these insights to
develop targeted strategies for fostering resilience at different stages of nursing education,
ultimately supporting students' well-being and academic success, and preparing them more
Theoretical framework
A theory that would supplement the study on exploring challenges and resilience among
nursing students of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University is the Social Cognitive Theory
expounded by Albert Bandura. This theory claims that one adapts or gains the coping skills by
Bandura’s theory is instrumental to the present study owing to the highlighted research focus
on social determinants, one’s volition, and cognitive processes, in resilience. Common issues of
students in nursing study involve situations to be faced and learnt that are turbulent, challenging
and complicated that students see others in order to learn from them. Through modeling with
peers, faculty, or other positive role models within academic, clinical, real-life settings, students
can learn strategies and beliefs about how to adapt to but also overcome barriers.
assessing the ability of nursing students to persevere. The viewing of self-efficacies relates to
individuals’ perceived capability in effectively performing tasks and coping with demands.
Nursing students with higher levels of self-efficacy will Complete all tasks related to the
program despite the challenges that they will encounter will seek for support and resources in the
program, and will use the right coping mechanisms. According to this theory, things like self-
efficacy-boosting strategies successfully implemented on students like the use of, mentoring
programs mentors, peer support groups, and skills-based training will improve the students
resilience levels.
explaining resilience development with-in the context of the nursing students based on
observational learning, self-efficacy beliefs, and behavioural modelling. By using this theory, the
study in Ateneo de Zamboanga University can identify the right intervention model that can help
students from nursing recover their strength and apply it in dealing with different life issues in
order to improve their status regarding the challenges that they face in their studies and in the
future.
Conceptual Framework
Strategies to
Academic challenges and Academic Academic overcome
Resilience challenges Resiliency challenges and
build resilience
Nursing students
challenges and resilience among nursing students. Academic challenges encompass various
stressors encountered during the educational journey, including rigorous coursework, demanding
clinical placements, and personal responsibilities. These challenges can impact students'
Central to the study is the concept of academic resilience, which refers to the ability of
nursing students to navigate and overcome these challenges effectively. Academic resilience
involves not only bouncing back from setbacks but also thriving in the face of adversity,
individual factors, such as personal motivation and self-efficacy, and external factors, including
The study explores strategies employed by nursing students to mitigate academic challenges
and foster resilience. These strategies may include seeking academic support services, engaging
in self-care practices, developing time management skills, and building positive relationships
with peers and faculty members. Understanding these strategies is essential for identifying
effective interventions and support mechanisms that can enhance student resilience and promote
The study aims to explore the challenges and resilience faced by the Nursing students of Ateneo
Zamboanga University?
2. What are the levels of Resilience among Nursing Students of Ateneo de Zamboanga
University?
3. What are the strategies or action plan can be implemented to overcome challenges and
build Resilience?
The scope of the study focuses on a specific group: 30 graduating nursing students selected
randomly from Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This targeted approach allows for an in-depth
examination of the challenges these students face throughout their academic journey and the
resilience strategies they employ. By focusing on graduating students, the study aims to capture a
pivotal stage in their education when they are transitioning into professional roles, which is
However, the study also has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size of 30 graduating
students may restrict the generalizability of the findings beyond this specific group and
institution. Additionally, the study's focus on one university may not fully capture the diversity
cultural contexts. Moreover, the reliance on self-report data, such as interviews or surveys,
introduces potential biases and subjectivity in reporting challenges and resilience levels. Time
constraints and logistical challenges in data collection may also impact the comprehensiveness
resilience among a specific group of nursing students, offering valuable insights into their
educational experiences and the factors influencing their resilience. The findings can inform
student well-being, academic success, and readiness for professional practice in nursing.
The study titled "Exploring Challenges and Resilience: An Investigative Study among
For Nursing Students: This study provides valuable insights into the specific challenges faced
by nursing students, such as academic pressures, clinical demands, and personal stressors.
Understanding these challenges can help students develop effective coping mechanisms and
resilience strategies, ultimately promoting their overall well-being and academic success.
For Educators and Institutions: Educators can utilize the findings to tailor support services and
educational approaches that address the identified challenges, thereby improving student
retention rates and educational outcomes. Institutions can also implement proactive measures to
For Healthcare Organizations: Insights from this study can inform healthcare organizations
about the unique challenges nursing students encounter during their education. This
understanding can lead to better integration of new graduates into the workforce, ensuring they
For Policy Makers: Policymakers can use the study's findings to advocate for policies that
support nursing education and address systemic issues affecting students. Evidence-based
policies can promote student well-being, enhance educational standards, and contribute to a
For Professional Associations: Professional associations can benefit from understanding the
opportunities, and continuing education initiatives. This fosters professional growth and
For the Research Community: The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on
nursing education, resilience, and student well-being. It opens avenues for further research into
effective interventions, best practices in education, and factors influencing student success in
nursing programs.
Nursing students' challenges and resilience, this study not only addresses immediate educational
concerns but also supports broader goals such as improved patient care outcomes, informed
policy decisions, and advancements in professional development within the nursing field. It
underscores the importance of fostering a resilient and well-supported nursing workforce capable
In the study, the following key terms are operationally defined as follows:
1. Challenges:
clinical settings.
difficulties.
2. Resilience:
o Psychological Resilience: The ability to cope with adversity, bounce back from
4. Investigative Study:
o Qualitative Approach: Utilizes qualitative research methods such as semi-
where the study was conducted, providing context to the setting and demographics of the
Research Design
The use of qualitative research design in the study presents the research as a suitable method
for uncovering the experiences and perceptions of the nursing students as relates with the
challenges and resilience. Qualitative research is a method of collecting close to real-life data
about occurrences which can be further discussed from the subject’s point of view, making it
quite suitable to engage in the investigation of intricate social issues, much like the ones that
nursing students encounter. Discussed by Pritha, B.(2023), that qualitative research involves
collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts,
opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate
Basing the argument on the fact that most of the variables to be investigated will be largely
subjective, the study is likely to adopt other qualitative research techniques including semi-
structured interviews and thematic analysis. Such semi-structured interviews can be valuable as
they allow researchers to get comprehensive, specific context information from participants. It is
most suitable when is used to dive into the global predicament that may be facing the students as
far as nursing is concerned, whereby they are confronted with academic challenges, clinical
Cognitive coding which is one of the several approaches used in analyzing interview
transcripts assists in identifying patterns, themes or consistent ideas as well as any variations.
This kind of research enables researchers to discover what Hewitt says stimulates or hinders the
resilience of nursing students, be it family support, personal assets, and coping mechanisms.
Furthermore, in qualitative research, there is always more freedom trying to ascertain the
nature of information, and in fact, the rest of the interview process is more fluid than quantitative
data collection. Since data collection is carried out in cycles, the study becomes more
Besides, the current study pursues the qualitative research design which not only allows
offering a vast and profound overview of the issues and strengths regarding nursing students, but
also provides meaningful insights that can be used to develop a range of recommendations
relevant to educational practices, support measures, and policies that contribute to the
improvement of students’ quality of life and academic performance in the context of nursing
Participants
The study on the selection of 30 graduating nursing students as participants offers a focused
and representative sample to delve into the specific experiences and perspectives relevant to the
research objectives. Graduating nursing students are strategically chosen because they are at a
critical juncture in their academic and clinical training, poised to enter the professional
healthcare field.
Targeting this cohort, the study aims to capture insights into the challenges these students face
throughout their nursing education, including academic demands, clinical experiences, personal
pressures, and transitions into professional practice. Their experiences can provide a
comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing resilience and coping mechanisms
Random selection of participants ensures that the sample is diverse and reflective of the
approach helps mitigate bias and enhances the generalizability of findings within the specific
have the opportunity to express their unique perspectives and narratives, contributing rich
qualitative data that can uncover underlying themes and patterns related to challenges and
resilience. Their voices will provide valuable insights that can inform educational practices,
institutional support services, and policy recommendations aimed at promoting student well-
Focusing on graduating nursing students from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, this study
aims to generate findings that are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant to
Instruments
The study will use structured interviews serve as a critical instrument for gathering in-depth
qualitative data from the participants. Structured interviews are designed to ensure consistency in
the questions asked while allowing for flexibility to explore participants' responses in detail.
The questionnaire used in these structured interviews is thoughtfully constructed to cover key
aspects relevant to the study's focus. Firstly, it includes questions probing the different types of
challenges faced by nursing students. This section aims to capture a comprehensive range of
challenges such as academic pressures, clinical demands, personal stressors, and any other
Secondly, the questionnaire delves into the support systems available to nursing students.
This encompasses both formal support structures provided by the university, such as academic
advisors and counseling services, as well as informal support networks involving peers, family,
and friends. Understanding the role of support systems is crucial for assessing how they mitigate
students. Participants are asked to reflect on their own strategies for overcoming challenges and
maintaining their well-being throughout their educational journey. This section aims to uncover
adaptive coping mechanisms, personal strengths, and strategies that contribute to resilience in the
face of adversity.
examining how various challenges affect students' academic performance, clinical competence,
and overall learning experiences, the study seeks to highlight the implications of these challenges
The structured interview questionnaire used in this study is designed to capture nuanced
insights into the experiences of nursing students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University regarding
challenges and resilience. It provides a structured yet flexible approach to gathering qualitative
data, allowing researchers to explore themes in-depth and derive meaningful conclusions that can
inform educational practices, support interventions, and policy recommendations within the
Data Analysis
The data analysis process focuses on extracting and interpreting qualitative insights gathered
through structured interviews with graduating nursing students. The analysis follows a
systematic approach to uncover patterns, themes, and key findings that address the research
These transcripts serve as the raw data for analysis. Researchers then employ coding
techniques to systematically organize the data into meaningful segments. This may
involve open coding to identify initial themes and categories emerging from the data.
identify, analyze, and report patterns within qualitative data. Researchers iteratively
developed through a process of coding, revisiting data, and refining interpretations until
saturation is achieved.
3. Pattern Recognition: Throughout the analysis process, researchers pay attention to both
interviews provide insights into the prevalence and impact of specific challenges, the
effectiveness of different resilience strategies, and how these factors interrelate within the
4. Data Integration and Interpretation: As themes and patterns are identified, researchers
integrate these findings into a coherent narrative that addresses the study's research
questions. They interpret the data in light of existing literature, theoretical frameworks,
and the specific context of nursing education at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This
interpretive process aims to provide meaningful explanations and insights into the
researchers may employ strategies such as member checking (where participants review
maintaining an audit trail (documenting decisions made throughout the analysis). These
The data analysis process in this study is rigorous and systematic, aiming to uncover nuanced
insights into the challenges faced by nursing students and the resilience strategies they employ.
By understanding these dynamics, the study contributes valuable knowledge that can inform
educational practices, support services, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing student
well-being and academic success within the nursing program at Ateneo de Zamboanga
University.
Ethical Considerations
In conducting the study, several ethical considerations are paramount to ensure the protection
and rights of the participants. Firstly, obtaining informed consent from each participant is crucial.
Prior to data collection, participants are provided with detailed information about the study's
purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. They are explicitly informed about how
their data will be used, emphasizing confidentiality measures implemented to safeguard their
identity and responses. Participants have the option to voluntarily consent to participate and are
assured that they can withdraw from the study at any time without consequence.
Data collected from interviews and questionnaires are anonymized by assigning participant
codes or numbers, ensuring that individual identities remain confidential in all research
documents and reports. This practice minimizes the risk of participants being identified based on
Ethical review and approval from institutional review boards or ethics committees are sought
before commencing the study. This step ensures that the research protocol adheres to established
ethical guidelines and standards. Institutional consent is also obtained to conduct the study within
among graduating nursing students at the university. This approach helps mitigate biases in
participant recruitment and ensures that findings reflect a diverse range of perspectives and
Ahmad, R., et al.(2024). A cross-sectional study of resilience and well-being among nursing
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