Aim The aim of the study was to investigate student nurses’ experiences of Project 2000.

Method A sample of 76 students completed a questionnaire twice, once at the beginning of the course and again after one year. A second questionnaire comprising rating scales of how stressed they felt, was completed by a sample of 30 students weekly for the first year of the course.

Results Seven areas of concern were identified: the theory component of the course, assessments, clinical practice, financial pressures, time management, personal development and personal difficulties.

Conclusion Sufficient data were generated to suggest that the experiences of Project 2000 students in other institutions are likely to be similar to those reported in the study. Recommendations for teachers, clinical staff and students are made.