Exploring Student Perceptions of a Virtual Practicum.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Academic Innovation
• Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted academic settings, posing new challenges for nursing faculty.
• Nursing faculty at a private university adapted by transforming a 2-day in-person Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) practicum into a virtual format.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student perceptions of a newly implemented virtual practicum.
• To assess the effectiveness and student experience of an adapted academic program during a crisis.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study design was employed to gather student feedback.
• An anonymous online survey was distributed to participants of the virtual DNP practicum.

Main Results:

• The study population comprised mostly middle-aged, Black, non-Hispanic English-speaking nurse practitioners.
• Content analysis of survey responses identified three key themes: valuable interactions, supportive faculty, and enlightening feedback.

Conclusions:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students perceived the virtual practicum as a meaningful and valuable experience, despite the pandemic-induced challenges.
• The innovative virtual format proved successful in delivering essential practicum components during a crisis.