Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the personality traits of intern nursing students could serve as valid predictors of their psychological status and clinical decision making. Additionally, we aimed to understand the psychological state of intern nursing students during the regular epidemic prevention and control stage of COVID-19.
Participants and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. A total of 181 intern nursing students involved in clinical placements participated in this study. Participants provided relevant data by completing the Big Five Inventory-44, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale 14, and the Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing Scale.
Results: The results showed that neuroticism (β = -0.282, p <  0.01) and openness (β =  0.302, p <  0.001) played significant roles in predicting clinical decision-making skills among intern nursing students. Regression analysis also showed extraversion (β = -0.249, p <  0.01), openness (β =  0.2, p <  0.01), and neuroticism (β =  0.391, p <  0.001) could significantly predict stress in intern nursing students. The agreeableness (β = -0.354, p <  0.001) and neuroticism (β =  0.237, p <  0.01) could also predict the anxiety of intern nursing students. Additionally, some intern nursing students still suffered from anxiety and stress in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
Conclusion: Personality traits are good predictors of clinical decision-making, anxiety and stress among intern nursing students. In conclusion, the openness in personality traits of intern nursing students should be valued and cultivated in clinical work, which will benefit the development of nursing talents.
Keywords: nursing students, personality, COVID-19, psychology, decision-making