The Effect of COVID-19 on Practical Skill Development Among Nursing Students in National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
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Background of the Study
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on education worldwide, causing significant disruptions to teaching and learning processes across all levels. In nursing education, the transition from in-person learning to online platforms posed unique challenges, particularly in the development of practical clinical skills, which are integral to nursing practice (Parker et al., 2023). Nursing students, who traditionally rely on face-to-face clinical practice to hone their skills in patient care, found themselves facing obstacles in acquiring the necessary hands-on experience during the pandemic. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which offers flexible learning programs to students, was no exception to these challenges.
The pandemic led to the suspension of clinical placements, restrictions on practical training, and a shift to virtual learning methods for nursing students at NOUN, which affected the students' ability to develop and refine critical practical skills. Practical skills in nursing are essential for ensuring effective patient care, and their absence can compromise the competence of future nurses (Morrow et al., 2024). Given the nature of online education at NOUN, which combines distance learning with occasional in-person sessions, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on students' practical skill development remain under-researched.
This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practical skill development of nursing students at the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja. By exploring the challenges faced by students and faculty in adapting to virtual learning during the pandemic, this research will contribute valuable insights into the future of nursing education and the role of technology in developing clinical competencies.
Statement of the Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted clinical placements and practical training for nursing students at the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, creating a gap in the students’ ability to develop essential practical skills. With the shift to online learning, students had limited access to hands-on clinical training, which is crucial for ensuring nursing competence (Nguyen & Lee, 2024). The inability to practice key clinical procedures, assess patients, and engage in real-world healthcare settings may impact students' preparedness for professional practice. Despite the growing recognition of these challenges, there is a lack of comprehensive studies examining the specific effects of the pandemic on the practical skills of nursing students at NOUN. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on skill development in nursing students is crucial for adapting curricula and implementing strategies that bridge the gap in practical education.
Objectives of the Study
- To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practical skill development of nursing students at the National Open University of Nigeria.
- To identify the challenges faced by nursing students and faculty in adapting practical training to online learning environments.
- To explore students' perceptions of the effectiveness of virtual learning platforms in developing clinical skills.
Research Questions
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the development of practical skills among nursing students at NOUN?
- What challenges did nursing students and faculty face in adapting clinical training to online learning environments during the pandemic?
- What are nursing students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of online learning in developing practical skills?
Research Hypotheses
- There is a significant negative relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the practical skill development of nursing students at NOUN.
- Nursing students who experienced more online learning during the pandemic report lower levels of practical skill development compared to those with in-person training.
- The challenges faced by nursing students and faculty in transitioning to online learning are significantly associated with the perceived effectiveness of virtual clinical education.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nursing students enrolled at the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will examine their practical skill development, challenges in adapting to online learning, and perceptions of virtual clinical training. Limitations include the reliance on self-reported data, which may be influenced by personal biases, and the inability to account for other factors that could have influenced students' skills development during the pandemic.
Definitions of Terms
- Practical Skill Development: The acquisition and enhancement of hands-on skills in nursing practice, such as patient assessment, clinical procedures, and patient care.
- Virtual Learning: A form of education where learning takes place primarily through digital platforms, including online lectures, discussions, and assessments.
- Clinical Competence: The ability of nursing students to demonstrate proficiency in clinical procedures, patient interactions, and critical thinking in healthcare settings.
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