References
Global perspectives: learning from the experiences of nursing students during the pandemic to enhance education
Abstract
This research explored the lived experiences of 40 undergraduate nursing students from the UK, Canada, Australia and Gibraltar during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective survey of nursing students was aimed at understanding the impact of the pandemic on nursing education, placements and student wellbeing, as well as the challenges and emotional impact students endured associated with caring for COVID-19 patients. The narratives were collected through an online questionnaire disseminated via a Twitter (X) platform on social media. The findings revealed five key themes: the impact of the pandemic on nursing education and support; the impact of the pandemic on placements and student wellbeing; the challenges and realities of caring for COVID-19 patients as a nursing student; the impact of the pandemic on the students’ education and placements; and the emotional impact of the pandemic on them. Based on these findings, evidence-based recommendations are provided for supporting nursing students worldwide during pandemics and other public health crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare systems worldwide, causing significant challenges and disruptions to the delivery of healthcare services (World Health Organization, 2022; 2023). Among those who have been affected by the consequences of the pandemic are nursing students, who found themselves in an unprecedented situation, adapting to changes in their education and clinical placements while simultaneously facing the emotional and psychological challenges of an ongoing global health crisis (Swift et al, 2020). Understanding the experiences of nursing students during the pandemic and their subsequent perspectives on it is crucial for informing the development of appropriate support and educational strategies to address the needs of students and enhance their professional growth.
This study explored the emotional experiences, challenges and coping mechanisms of nursing students from a global perspective, drawing on the experiences of participants from the UK, Canada, Australia, and Gibraltar.
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