Educating Nursing Students Through the Pandemic: The Essentials of Collaboration

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for nursing education, necessitating the maintenance of regulatory standards and the production of competent graduates.
• A strong nursing workforce was critical for Connecticut's healthcare system during the pandemic.
• This paper highlights the significant impact of a collaborative, statewide approach to address these educational and workforce needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the strategies and outcomes of a collaborative effort by the Connecticut League for Nursing Council of Deans and Directors to maintain nursing education standards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To ensure a robust pipeline of competent nursing graduates to support the state's healthcare workforce.

Main Methods:

• The Connecticut League for Nursing Council of Deans and Directors established six work groups focused on critical issues arising from the pandemic.
• Work groups addressed communication with the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing (BOEN), academic progression, student integration into practice, transition to practice, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) clinical hours, and summer clinical experiences.
• Membership in work groups was voluntary, with leaders from the Council.

Main Results:

• A framework was established for continuous, timely dialogue among Council members and with the BOEN regarding evolving educational requirements and innovative clinical learning experiences.
• Collaborative efforts facilitated the effective sharing of strategies, policies, and guidelines across nursing programs.
• Partnerships were formed with key state nursing organizations to advocate for nursing students and faculty.

Conclusions:

• The Council successfully prioritized graduating competent nursing students prepared for practice through collaborative problem-solving.
• Statewide partnerships strengthened the collective voice of nursing in policy and decision-making arenas.
• The initiative ensured the continued involvement of nursing students and faculty in direct patient care settings.