Transitioning Child Health Clinical Content From Direct Care to Online Instruction

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation in pre-licensure nursing programs.
• Traditional clinical teaching faced disruption, requiring innovative solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a revised virtual learning plan for child health clinical experiences.
• To maintain educational quality and reduce student anxiety during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized existing virtual simulations and introduced new online activities.
• Implemented digital escape rooms, unfolding case studies, and blended prioritization simulations.

Main Results:

• Student evaluations indicated enhanced clinical reasoning, prioritization, communication, and critical thinking.
• Students valued the relaxed pace, allowing more time for cognitive processing.

Conclusions:

• Virtual clinical learning activities can be as effective as traditional in-person methods.
• Virtual activities offer a viable alternative, particularly when clinical placements are scarce.