Abstract

Background: Nursing students have high stress levels that significantly impact their mental health, making them vulnerable to mental health disorders, burnout, poor academic performance, and dropout, ultimately contributing to the ever-increasing nursing shortage. Unaddressed mental health issues in nursing raise the risk of medication errors and the inability to focus. The purpose of this study was to introduce Mastering Mindset: A Mental Health Initiative, which aims to empower students to manage stress and succeed in their careers by using short TikTok-style videos.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 291 baccalaureate nursing students to assess changes in mindset, wellness, and mental health competency following the video series. Measures included the Growth Mindset Scale (α=.83), Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (α=.84) and the College Mental Health Perceived Competency Scale (α=0.81).

Results: After completing the video series, data from 133 matched pairs revealed no significant differences in Growth Mindset or Mental Wellness Scores, though Physical Wellness Scores increased significantly (p=<.05). Engagement scores showed a non-significant upward trend (p=0.115), but no notable changes were seen in competency, knowledge, or fear scores. Feedback related to the program indicated strong support, with 89.9% (295 students) advocating for the series' continuation and 85.3% finding it "somewhat" or "very helpful." Although statistical changes were minimal, 88.7% reported high stress, and 73.5% lacked mental health self-care. Top-rated videos covered managing test anxiety, finding joy in nursing, and staying motivated. Students suggested shorter videos and integration into class assignments. Overall, students expressed high satisfaction and minimal structural change requests.

Discussion: The study underscores the urgent need for mental health support in nursing education, with students expressing high satisfaction and requesting minimal structural changes. These findings align with the AACN Essentials and Future of Nursing 2020-2030 recommendations, which call for enhanced mental health resources for nursing students. The high levels of mental distress reported highlight the importance of proactive mental health education. Expanding this intervention could amplify its positive impact and provide valuable insights into effectively supporting student well-being.

Description

Gain insights into the challenges students face with high-stress demands and the critical need for mental health support within nursing education. You'll also learn about the Mastering Mindset: A Mental Health Initiative, an innovative video-based intervention empower students in managing stress and promoting wellness.

Author Details

Kacie Duncan, Ph.D., RN, CCRN; Heather S. Cole, Ph.D., RN, CHSE, CNEn; Suzanne Prevost, Ph.D., RN, FAAN; Staci Simmons, DNP

Sigma Membership

Epsilon Omega

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quasi-Experimental Study, Other

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Stress and Coping, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Workforce, Nursing Students, Mental Health

Conference Name

36th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Seattle, Washington, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Click on the above link to access the slide deck.

Additional Files

References.pdf (131 kB)

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Distress to Success: Video-Based Interventions to Enhance Nursing Student Mental Health

Seattle, Washington, USA

Background: Nursing students have high stress levels that significantly impact their mental health, making them vulnerable to mental health disorders, burnout, poor academic performance, and dropout, ultimately contributing to the ever-increasing nursing shortage. Unaddressed mental health issues in nursing raise the risk of medication errors and the inability to focus. The purpose of this study was to introduce Mastering Mindset: A Mental Health Initiative, which aims to empower students to manage stress and succeed in their careers by using short TikTok-style videos.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 291 baccalaureate nursing students to assess changes in mindset, wellness, and mental health competency following the video series. Measures included the Growth Mindset Scale (α=.83), Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (α=.84) and the College Mental Health Perceived Competency Scale (α=0.81).

Results: After completing the video series, data from 133 matched pairs revealed no significant differences in Growth Mindset or Mental Wellness Scores, though Physical Wellness Scores increased significantly (p=<.05). Engagement scores showed a non-significant upward trend (p=0.115), but no notable changes were seen in competency, knowledge, or fear scores. Feedback related to the program indicated strong support, with 89.9% (295 students) advocating for the series' continuation and 85.3% finding it "somewhat" or "very helpful." Although statistical changes were minimal, 88.7% reported high stress, and 73.5% lacked mental health self-care. Top-rated videos covered managing test anxiety, finding joy in nursing, and staying motivated. Students suggested shorter videos and integration into class assignments. Overall, students expressed high satisfaction and minimal structural change requests.

Discussion: The study underscores the urgent need for mental health support in nursing education, with students expressing high satisfaction and requesting minimal structural changes. These findings align with the AACN Essentials and Future of Nursing 2020-2030 recommendations, which call for enhanced mental health resources for nursing students. The high levels of mental distress reported highlight the importance of proactive mental health education. Expanding this intervention could amplify its positive impact and provide valuable insights into effectively supporting student well-being.