Objective: To describe the academic stress of nursing students in the city of Cartagena. Method: Cross-sectional study that included 587 students enrolled in the three nursing programs in the city, selected through a multistage probability sampling. For data collection it was used a demographic survey and SISCO inventory for measuring academic stress. The information was analyzed in SPSSS software version 22, using descriptive statistical data. At research was take into account national and international ethical health. Results: Of the total participants, 89.6% (526) are women, with an average age of 20.2 years (SD=2,52) and 43.4% (255) belonged to the stratum 2. With regard to stress, 90.8% (533) reported having had moments of anxiety or nervousness during the course of the semester, 42% (224) reported an average level of stress, the main source of this, academic overload derived from the demand for tasks theoretical subjects and practices 48.2% (257). The most frequently used coping strategy to channel stress were religious activities (41.7%). Conclusion: Students of nursing programs Cartagena have heterogeneous stress levels and feel nervous and concerned about the academic burden semesters, which can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health, but can be mitigated with promoting practices that facilitate social interaction and relaxation.