Transitioning a Graduate Nursing Physical Examination Skills Lab to an Online Learning Modality

Continued restrictions imposed on face-to-face learning related to the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) pandemic resulted in a decision to permanently transition a graduate nursing education advanced assessment course from a hybrid to an online learning modality.

The purpose of this article is to describe the transition of the physical examination skills lab from face-to-face to online, compare advanced practice nursing student performance outcomes, and evaluate faculty satisfaction and student satisfaction and confidence in learning.

A retrospective comparison design was used to evaluate student outcomes. Surveys were used to evaluate faculty satisfaction and student satisfaction and confidence.

Academic performance, including the psychomotor performance proficiency of advanced assessment skills, was comparable between the modalities. Students were satisfied with and confident in their learning of skills. Faculty support online delivery despite increased workload.

Continued use of the online learning modality for teaching advanced physical examination skills is warranted.