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Using COVID-19 Opportunities to Enrich Student Experiences
The Journal of Nursing Education
|February 3, 2022
Summary
Nursing students adapted capstone projects during COVID-19 by participating in a Serosurvey. This public health initiative enhanced critical thinking and resilience, demonstrating curriculum flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional nursing capstone experiences.
- Students faced limitations in community and healthcare-based capstone projects.
- Nursing faculty encountered challenges in delivering practical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt nursing capstone projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To incorporate a public health project as an alternative capstone experience.
- To maintain curriculum outcomes while addressing pandemic-related limitations.
Main Methods:
- Collaborated with the local public health department for a Serosurvey project.
- Senior nursing students volunteered for the public health initiative.
- Pivoted course curriculum to integrate the Serosurvey as a capstone.
Main Results:
- 85 baccalaureate nursing students participated in the alternative capstone.
- Students engaged in an interprofessional public health project.
- The project enhanced awareness of public health issues and developed key skills.
Conclusions:
- Nursing faculty can leverage pandemic-driven opportunities for student projects.
- Alternative capstone projects can successfully integrate community and public health work.
- Curriculum flexibility is crucial for adapting to unforeseen circumstances in nursing education.