Date of Award
Summer 2024
Document Type
Project – Full Written
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Committee Chair
Melissa McNeilly
Abstract
Research supports the idea that pre-licensure nursing students experience higher levels of stress than their general education-focused peers. This DNP project focused on stress related to nursing exams in the first semester of nursing school and promoted the adoption of diaphragmatic breathing techniques. The use of stress management techniques has been explored in those with intense job experiences and has proven to alleviate stress and promote improved coping. This cohort of pre-licensure nursing students was asked to identify stressors that affected them within the preceding 6 months while attending the first semester of a 2-year nursing program. The cohort was introduced to the DNP project and taught the 4-7-8x3 breathing technique. The pre-licensure nursing students were asked to participate in a diaphragmatic breathing technique prior to the administration of two separate unit exams during the first semester of nursing school and to complete surveys regarding stressors and coping mechanisms in place. The DNP project outcomes are relevant as the DNP project supports improvement in stress management not only in their educational arenas but also during personal stressors. Further education and exploration of stress management techniques and resiliency training can promote longevity in career fields is needed. Preparing caregivers to manage the care of others without caring for themselves will only lead to increased numbers of those needing care.
Recommended Citation
Naugle, Amy, "The Use of Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques to Reduce Stress in Pre-Licensure Nursing Students" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 113.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing-dnp/113
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License