Nursing Students Face Unexpected Lessons

The COVID-19 pandemic had affected all aspects of life. Nursing students, you are all too familiar with the impact this virus has had on your education.

This effect is unmistakably evident in canceled classes, canceled graduations and the switch to online courses. By now, you are probably becoming quite skilled in using online course software programs such as GoToMeeting and E-Lectures.

The clinical component of your nursing education is perhaps most affected by the pandemic. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)’s “Considerations for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response in U.S. Schools of Nursing” suggests continuing clinical placements needs to be decided based on a school’s policies and the facilities in which students have their clinical placements. The National League for Nursing (NLN)’s March 10 letter to nursing educators emphasized the same approach.

With the additional recommendations from the AACN and the NLN, some nursing students may still be in a clinical placement. Others may be in simulated labs or using telehealth options, while others are providing patient care through virtual reality.