RESUMO
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among communication competence, professional self-concept, and stress in clinical practice of nursing students. METHODS: The study participants were 308 senior year nursing students in D city and K province. Collected data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression with the SPSS Version 20.0. RESULTS: There were significant differences in participants' stress of clinical practice based on their level of satisfaction on clinical practice, self-confidence of nursing and difficulty with relationships in clinical practice. A negative correlation was detected between stress in clinical practice and the professional self-concept of nursing students. Significant predictors of the perceived stress of clinical practice were satisfaction in clinical practice and pride in nursing. These accounted for 18% of the perceived stress of clinical practice in a regression model. CONCLUSION: The results may serve as basic data in support of the need to the develop effective systematic stress management programs and clinical training courses in order to attenuate the stress experienced during clinical practice of nursing students.