Exploring self-directed learning readiness and related factors: the role of time management skills in nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported varying levels of self-directed learning readiness and time management skills among nursing students, and the relationship between these two skills has not been extensively explored. Consequently, this study aimed to assess self-directed learning readiness and its influencing factors, with a specific emphasis on the role of time management skills among nursing students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 110 undergraduate nursing students who were conveniently recruited for the research. The data collection tools included a demographic information form, Fisher's Self-Directed Learning Readiness questionnaire, and the Time Management Inventory developed by Britton and Tesser. The collected data were analyzed using STATA-14 statistical software. RESULTS: The findings revealed that 96.4% of the nursing students demonstrated readiness for self-directed learning. The mean overall score for self-directed learning readiness was 162.3 ± 6.1 out of 200, indicating a relatively high level of readiness. The mean score for time management skills was 98.1 ± 5.0 out of 135, suggesting satisfactory proficiency in this area. In terms of the relationship between self-directed learning readiness and its associated factors, time management skills, academic probation history, grade point average, place of residence, and level of interest in the field of study collectively accounted for 9.2% of the variance in self-directed learning readiness. Among these factors, academic probation history, grade point average, and place of residence emerged as statistically significant predictors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate that the level of self-directed learning readiness and time management skills among the nursing students were considered acceptable. Academic probation history, grade point average, and place of residence emerged as significant predictors of self-directed learning readiness. These results highlight the importance of considering students' academic background and living conditions to effectively enhance their level of self-directed learning readiness. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors that may influence self-directed learning readiness among nursing students.

Clinical learning of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Limpopo province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  The Nursing Education Programme was affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in nursing students being unable to participate in the clinical experiential learning required by the South African Nursing Council. OBJECTIVES:  The study seeks to explore and describe nursing students' experiences of clinical experiential learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD:  A qualitative, explorative and descriptive, research design was used in the study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used, and 55 nursing students participated in the study. Data were collected through six focus group discussions, consisting of 8-12 nursing students in each group. Data were analysed following Tesch's open coding method. RESULTS:  Three themes emerged from the study's findings: The impact of COVID-19 on the clinical experiential learning of nursing students, the effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of nursing students, and nursing students' experiences of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, 11 sub-themes emerged. CONCLUSION:  The findings of this study reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the Nursing Education Programme, highlighting the challenges of inadequate clinical hours, restricted clinical access and the significant psychological impact on students.Contribution: This study adds to the literature on students' experiences during clinical experiential learning in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Workplace Bullying, Hardiness, and Occupational Identity Among Nursing Students: Mediation of Academic Burnout.

BACKGROUND: Quality clinical environments are crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This study explored the mediating role of academic burnout in relation to workplace bullying experience, stress hardiness, and occupational identity among nursing students during clinical practice. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was administered to fourth-year nursing students from four universities. Data were collected in March 2023 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and PROCESS Macro Model 4. RESULTS: In the final sample (N = 202), the correlates of occupational identity were stress hardiness and academic burnout; workplace bullying was not statistically significant. Academic burnout completely and partially mediated the relationship between workplace bullying and occupational identity and between stress hardiness and occupational identity, respectively. CONCLUSION: To strengthen nursing students' occupational identity, active attention and management are required to prevent academic burnout and improve stress hardiness. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(9):604-612.].

Using Nursing and Information Literacy Standards to Design an Online Learning Experience.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence-based practice is a tenet of nursing education, students struggle to learn information literacy skills that transition to practice. This quality improvement project created an online learning experience for prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students to increase their ability to locate and critically appraise evidence. METHOD: A framework based on nursing and information literacy standards was developed to establish baccalaureate-level information literacy knowledge and skills. This framework and cognitive constructivism were used to design a learning experience. The intervention was integrated into a research and theory course. RESULTS: Students demonstrated a higher level of competence in identifying types of sources and using information ethically but had a lower level of competence in defining their information needs and locating relevant resources. CONCLUSION: Findings support the positive effects of an online learning experience to increase competence in the knowledge and skills expected of information-literate baccalaureate-prepared nurses. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(9):638-642.].

Effectiveness of Metaverse-Based Collaborative Learning in Nursing Education: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Collaborative learning is an educational method widely used in nursing education that involves learners solving problems through teamwork. This study investigated the effects of using a metaverse virtual space for collaborative learning among nursing students. METHOD: A nonequivalent control group posttest design was used, and focus group interviews were conducted. This mixed-methods study included second-year nursing students (n = 43) divided into two groups. The intervention group used metaverse methods for the group projects and the control group used traditional methods. RESULTS: Satisfaction with collaborative learning and peer evaluation of team projects were significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group. Participants' learning experiences were categorized into "unwelcome changes in the learning environment," "discovering the potential of a learning environment that encourages participation," and "tips for building a metaverse learning environment." CONCLUSION: Metaverse collaborative learning is a student-centered educational approach that fosters active interaction and addresses the shortcomings of traditional approaches. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(9):585-593.].

Partnering With Clinicians Supporting Nursing Students' Clinical Placement at a Regional Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Innovative models are required to maximize nursing student placements in environments of shrinking budgets, increasing hospital demands, and casualization and aging of the workforce. This article reports the success of a service-academic partnership in a dedicated education unit. METHOD: This cross-sectional observational study in a regional hospital analyzed survey data using validated tools completed by buddy nurses (n = 80) and postplacement evaluation completed by students (n = 102) and the nurse leadership team (n = 17). RESULTS: Postimplementation, nursing student placement days increased, and participants were positive about the partnership. Although most of the nursing students (n = 96) reported they were very or extremely satisfied with their placement, they rated student facilitators higher than their buddy nurses. CONCLUSION: Increasing enrollments will not solve the nursing workforce shortage unless student placements of quality and quantity are provided. Partnership in support of clinical staff remains critical to create time to provide quality supervision. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(9):619-625.].

Inclusion of Genetics and Genomics in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Because of the importance of genetics and genomics for health care, efforts to promote inclusion of genetics and genomics in undergraduate nursing programs has increased in the past 20 years. However, the success of these efforts has not been measured recently. METHOD: Information from Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited 4-year baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States was searched, and program administrators were surveyed regarding inclusion of genetics and genomics in program requirements. RESULTS: More than half (57%) of 711 programs analyzed included genetics and genomics in their curriculum, with <6% of programs requiring a standalone course. Although 43% of programs did not mention genetics and genomics in their curriculum, some programs that did not specifically identify genetics and genomics in course descriptions may incorporate these topics. CONCLUSION: Despite the growing importance of genetics and genomics in health care, many prelicensure baccalaureate nursing programs include little instruction on these topics. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(9):613-618.].

Life-Threatening Clinical Simulations for Nursing Students: Promoting Critical Thinking and Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Integrating life-threatening clinical simulations improves learning outcomes. This study assessed nursing students' critical thinking factors before and after simulation, evaluated nursing clinical reasoning ability and learning satisfaction at two time points, and explored relationships and predictions among critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and satisfaction before and after simulation. METHOD: Surveys and focus groups were used for this mixed-methods study. RESULTS: Quantitative findings revealed increased critical thinking scores for curiosity, skepticism, and systematicity; clinical reasoning; and satisfaction after simulation. Qualitative results supported these improvements and indicated enhanced curiosity for clinical knowledge and iterative phases of clinical reasoning. Students expressed satisfaction with the simulations. Objectivity significantly influenced clinical reasoning and satisfaction in nursing students following life-threatening simulations. CONCLUSION: Fostering a culture of critical thinking in life-threatening simulations is crucial. Educators must teach the importance of objectivity in clinical practice, encourage critical evaluation, and foster self-reflection in simulations. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(9):595-603.].

Empowering the next generation: how nurses can champion student success.

Final-year student Aghogho Wanogho explains what registered nurses can do to ensure that student nurses gain the most from their clinical placements.

The effect of professional identity on nursing academic achievement: the chain mediating effect of general self-efficacy and learning engagement.

BACKGROUND: Exploring the impact of professional identity on the academic performance of nursing students is crucial for understanding how to improve educational outcomes in this field. Professional identity not only shapes students' self-concept but also influences their motivation, commitment, and success in their studies. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully elucidated. This study aims to examine the potential mediating roles of general self-efficacy and learning engagement in this relationship. METHODS: A total of 1097 Chinese nursing students participated in this study. They were assessed using the Professional Identity Questionnaire for Undergraduate Students, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students, and the College Students Academic Achievement Scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, structural equation modeling, and deviation-corrected percentile bootstrap techniques. RESULTS: (1) Professional identity (PI) was positively correlated with academic achievement (AA)(r = 0.446, P < 0.01), and the direct path of professional identity on academic achievement was significant (ß = 0.301, t = 19.816, P < 0.001). (2) Professional identity positively predicted general self-efficacy(GSE) (ß = 0.183, t = 16.427, P < 0.001) and learning engagement(LE) (ß = 0.640, t = 22.494, P < 0.001). GSE positively predicted LE(ß = 0.645, t = 9.320, P < 0.001) and AA(ß = 0.458, t = 12.376, P < 0.001). LE positively predicted AA (ß = 0.169, t = 10.877, P < 0.001). (3) GSE and LE play a significant mediating role between PI and AA. The mediating effect includes three paths: PI→GSE→AA(the mediating effect value: 0.084) and PI→LE→AA (the mediating effect value: 0.108). PI→GSE→LE→AA (the mediating effect value: 0.020). CONCLUSION: Professional identity exerts both direct and indirect influences on the academic achievement of nursing students, mediated through general self-efficacy and learning engagement. These findings underscore the importance of nurturing professional identity as a strategic approach to enhancing academic success in nursing education, providing a foundation for targeted interventions that foster personal and academic growth.

Practice learning facilitators as roaming assessors.

In the UK, student nurses, nursing associates and midwives are supervised by practice supervisors and practice assessors while completing the placement-based component of their training. Because of increased clinical commitments, staff shortages and rising student numbers, demands for the supervision and assessment of student nurses have increased in recent years and this was exacerbated by COVID-19. The Nursing and Midwifery Council's Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment separated the roles of practice supervisor and assessor, giving rise to opportunities to assess students in a different way. Some integrated care systems are exploring the new role of roaming assessor. Roaming assessors can fulfil the role of practice assessors while providing additional support for student nurses. This role could be expanded to other health professions. This article explores the use of practice learning facilitators as roaming assessors for student nurses in the UK and evaluates the potential benefits and limitations of this approach. Roaming assessors may provide a useful service to deliver practice assessments, increasing the reliability and availability of assessments.

Virtual reality with artificial intelligence-led scenarios in nursing education: a project evaluation.

AIM: To provide insights into the optimal use of virtual reality (VR) in nursing education by evaluating pre-registration nursing students' experiences in conducting holistic patient assessments while interacting with artificial intelligence (AI)-led patients. Specifically, this project evaluation compares the use of two different VR scenarios, one employing a menu-based interface and another using AI voice-controlled technology. METHODS: Eleven pre-registration adult nursing students from two UK universities were selected through purposeful sampling to participate in the two VR simulations. Data collection and analysis: This included qualitative insights gathered from three focus group sessions, audio-recorded and thematically analysed to classify and describe students' experiences. FINDINGS: Four key themes emerged: technological literacy, VR as a learning tool, the road of learning, and transition to independence. Advantages across both methods of VR-AI interaction and their particular challenges were identified and described for each key theme. CONCLUSION: VR with AI-led patient technology in pre-registration nursing education positively contributes to the curriculum by exposing students to problem-based learning situations and use of a multiplicity of skills in a safe environment. Although both methods are relevant for developing proficiencies around holistic patient assessment, there are advantages and limitations to each. Students perceived the voice-controlled technology as more intuitive with a more natural method of communication, whereas the menu-based interaction gave students more structure and guidance.

What do Adjunct Nursing Instructors Want?

ABSTRACT: Adjunct nursing instructors (ANIs) are used to meet the needs of nursing education programs, but challenges of adjusting to unfamiliar academic settings often lead to poor job satisfaction and low retention of ANIs. The Adjunct Instructor Survey (Milliken & Jurgens, 2008) was used to query 25 ANIs regarding the importance and availability of support services pre-COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic. Mentoring was identified as most important pre- and post-pandemic, with a reported decrease in mentoring opportunities post-pandemic. Developing quality mentoring programs for ANIs needs to be a priority.

Answering the Call: The Impact of Global Service-Learning on BSN Graduates.

ABSTRACT: Global migration significantly impacts demographic patterns in the United States, intensifying the need for nurses to deliver culturally competent healthcare to refugees, immigrants, and migrants. By integrating global service-learning (GSL) into nursing curricula, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of GSL benefits in fostering effective intercultural communication, cultural humility, spiritual growth, and global health knowledge among nursing students. The findings suggest that GSL enhances the educational experience and equips nurses with the skills necessary to address the complex needs of a diverse patient population.

Development of the Hybrid Clinical Practicum Environment Scale for Nursing Students.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a Hybrid Clinical Practicum Environment Scale for Nursing Students (HCPES-NS) and verify its validity and reliability. METHODS: The HCPES-NS was constructed following the DeVellis guidelines. The initial items were written based on a literature review and individual in-depth interviews. Content validity was verified through an expert panel review. To confirm the validity and reliability of the scale, a survey was conducted with 449 nursing students enrolled in 12 nursing colleges. Data were analyzed using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, concurrent validity, and reliability tests. RESULTS: Factor analysis showed that the HCPES-NS consists of 15 items on five subdomains: clinical site atmosphere, interpersonal relationship, alternative online practicum contents, provision of learning information, and clinical performance facilitation. A higher score indicated a more positive perception of the clinical practicum environment. The concurrent validity of the HCPES-NS was confirmed by its positive correlation with the Clinical Learning Environment Scale (r = .77). The Cronbach's α reliability of the HCPES-NS was .84. CONCLUSION: The HCPES-NS is both valid and reliable. This scale reflects the clinical practicum environment and includes an online practicum factor. It may be used effectively by faculty members and educators to evaluate nursing students' perceptions of clinical practicum environments.

The growth and development of a novel distance accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program.

Severe nursing shortages threaten the sustainability of US health systems. Rural and underserved communities are disproportionately affected by staffing crises and associated facility closures, as well as health disparities. A major factor contributing to geographic gaps in care is the absence of nursing schools, nursing faculty, and locations for clinical rotations in many rural and underserved areas. Emory School of Nursing is helping to solve for these issues through the Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) program. The DABSN is establishing accelerated pipelines of nursing students into practice in locations where nursing education has historically been difficult or impossible to access. This innovative nursing education model allows students to enroll in a top-ranked nursing school while remaining in their home communities. Students complete synchronous didactic coursework with peers in every US time zone while performing clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities. This paper details the growth and development of the DABSN. It describes the challenges and opportunities we have navigated in implementing the program, along with information about its pedagogy, clinical placement practices, and student/faculty characteristics. We share program outcomes and conclude with recommendations for the future.