Nursing Faculty Experiences Transitioning to a Virtual DNP Residency During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic created many academic challenges. Shelter in place orders forced educational institutions to move on-ground learning to an online format. This necessitated transitioning traditional in-person events such as nursing residency to a virtual occurrence. Currently, there is a paucity of research to assist with transition to the virtual environment.

The purpose of this study was to explore faculty experiences transitioning to a virtual Doctor of Nursing Practice residency.

A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore faculty experiences with virtual residency. The sample included 11 nursing faculty. Data collection consisted of answering demographic and open-ended questions through an anonymous survey.

Content analysis revealed two themes: (1) Essence of Residency was Missing and (2) Virtual Residency was an Acceptable Alternative.

Based on these themes, recommendations for virtual residency improvement were identified that would be beneficial to both faculty and students, providing a better environment and enhanced virtual experience.

Results from this research begin building a foundation of knowledge for best practices when creating an academic nursing virtual event. Recommendations focus on ways to form a better virtual community, promote a relaxed scholarly environment, and uphold academic standards.