The French Federation of Nursing Students conducted research in nursing studies institutions from six administrative regions in order to understand risk factors linked with student stress or satisfaction. Conducted from September 2008 to June 2009, the response rate was 71.2%. Bivariate analyses were conducted on a random sample of 1,450 students, to determine potentials risk factors linked with poorer estimated general health and stress. Students increasingly declare they are experiencing stress or poor general health in the second and third year of nursing studies. Their life habits are inadequate and do not improve when their knowledge increases: lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, use of other addictive substances, and so on. Among students who described the rhythm of training as too heavy or of poor quality, the majority qualify their health as bad. Practical training is considered by a quarter of first-year student and 44% of second- and third-year students. Existence of “speech groups” and free discussion groups have a major influence on satisfaction or stress and poor general health declaration. This study demonstrated the major influence of good mentorship by trained nurses, and that the nurse in a tutorial position has to be the same all along the training in each department. These aspects have to be improved in order to attract and retain motivated students.