RESUMEN
AIM: The aim of the study was to explore relationships between perceived faculty support and prevalence of severe/extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress levels among undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. BACKGROUND: Emerging research supports nursing students suffering from extreme psychological distress. Educational success and mental health wellness are influenced by external support. METHOD: A mixed-methods design was used for this descriptive, cross-sectional study. A national convenience sample of 1,163 undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Perceived Faculty Support Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Emerging themes in the qualitative data were identified. RESULTS: Nearly 54 percent of nursing students suffered from severe/extremely severe depression, anxiety, or stress. Faculty support was critical to nursing student mental health well-being. CONCLUSION: This multisite study provides a better understanding of the enormity of psychological distress among undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students and emphasizes the immediate need for faculty to provide necessary support to this vulnerable student population.
