Background: Clinical training, spanning from the first year until graduation, often induces stress among students, affecting their performance and well-being. This study aims to assess the perceptions of nursing graduates towards their clinical internship programs, specifically focusing on their levels of stress, and identifying the strengths of these programs and using of the coping mechanisms. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Najran University, Saudi Arabia. Systematic random sample was employed to involve 43 graduate nursing students in their clinical internship year. Data were collected using a questionnaire incorporating demographic information, strengths of the internship program, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Coping Behavior Inventory (CBI). Results: Stress levels were low for 53.5% of students, moderate for 25.6%, and severe for 20.9%. Avoidance was the most utilized coping mechanism (mean = 16, SD = ±1.3), while problem-solving strategies (mean = 14, SD = ±2.4) and staying optimistic (mean = 11, SD = ±1.7) were less common. Age showed a moderate positive correlation with stress (R = 0.42, P = 0.08), and effective coping mechanisms correlated strongly with lower stress levels (R = 0.72, P = 0.0001). Higher GPA was also associated with better stress management (R = 0.76, P = 0.0001). Conclusion & recommendation: The study highlights the importance of support systems and effective coping strategies in managing stress during clinical internships. Enhancing coping mechanisms and addressing areas for improvement can further improve the internship experience and professional readiness of nursing students.