NURSING STUDENTS' ANXIETY AND SELF-CONFIDENCE IN CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING

Background: Anxiety and Self-Confidence in Clinical Decision-Making" revolves around the challenges and importance of clinical decision-making in the education and training of nursing students. Objective: This study aims to explore nursing students' anxiety and self-confidence in clinical decision-making. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a private nursing institute in Peshawar, Pakistan, from June to August 2023. A total of 80 nursing students from year one and year 2 were recruited through a convenient sampling technique. Result: Study findings show that (56.3%) have high levels of self-confidence, (41.3%) moderate self-confidence and (2.5%) low self-confidence. Similarly, (41.3%) had low, (40.0%) moderate and (18.8%) high anxiety. However, the analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between self-confidence and anxiety p-value of 0.224. Conclusion: The study revealed significant proportions of high and moderate self-confidence and few with low self-confidence. Moreover, low anxiety levels (41.3%) and moderate (40.0%). Despite a weak, statistically insignificant negative correlation between self-confidence and anxiety, these results emphasize the intricate interplay among nursing students, suggesting the need for further exploration. Implementing simulated scenarios, mentorship, and stress management workshops could enhance self-confidence and decrease anxiety in clinical education.