Achieving nursing students' clinical practice hours during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effects of alternative and nonstandard practicum methods

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine nursing students' experiences of alternative and nonstandard practicum methods used during the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and the associations between these experiences and nursing students' anxiety with clinical decision-making. Background: Nursing students experiencing alternative clinical practice methods during the COVID19 pandemic have expressed regrets about being unable to experience direct nursing care and doubts about their clinical decision-making in actual clinical settings as a nurse in the future. Methods: Online surveys were distributed to 239 third-year nursing students through a link in an email. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021. Results: Approximately 80% of participants in the Fall 2020 semester experienced an alternative clinical practice method. The extent of time spent experiencing alternative clinical practice methods and satisfaction with the clinical practicum were associated with anxiety about clinical decision-making. Conclusions: Although the pandemic continues, nursing students' clinical practice is needed in a clinical setting as much as possible to reduce the anxiety about clinical decision-making. During the pandemic, clinical nurse educators and clinical managers should work and communicate more closely to facilitate the students' clinical practice.