Abstract

Isabel Nyangu* and Libuseng Moureen Rathobei

Background: Nursing students and their clinical instructors in higher education institutions are faced with challenges regarding clinical teaching and learning strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the perceptions of nursing students regarding clinical teaching and learning during the COVID-19.

Methods: A descriptive quantitative survey was used to conveniently recruit 300 nursing students who were enrolled at selected higher education institutions in the 2021/22 academic year and they completed a structured self-report questionnaire. Permission to conduct the study was granted by relevant authorities (ID147-2021) and data were analyzed using SPSS (23).

Results: The minimum age of participants was 19 years and the maximum age was 39 years. The majority of respondents were female (69%: n=207) and studying for a BSc degree in Nursing and Midwifery (49%: n=146). Most nursing students had adequate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to prevent COVID-19 in the clinical area and simulation laboratories. They felt that clinical instructors and preceptors were available and competent to assist them in completing their clinical competencies and procedure file logbooks. Nursing students gained expertise in performing clinical procedures as they were able to perform return demonstrations in the simulation laboratory and clinical areas. Whilst clinical facilities and simulation laboratories had adequate COVID-19 prevention protocols and tools, there was inadequate personal protective equipment available.

Conclusion: The perceptions of nursing students regarding clinical teaching and learning during COVID-19 were positive. More support for adequate personal protective equipment for nursing students remains crucial for their training not to be interrupted.