The effect of COVID-19 on nursing program passing scores

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Adult Learning Theory

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional nursing education.
• Educational institutions transitioned to online and simulation-based learning environments.
• Maintaining educational quality amidst these changes presented considerable challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students' academic performance.
• To compare nursing program passing scores before and during the pandemic.
• To identify potential disparities in student success due to pandemic-related educational shifts.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative comparative ex post facto study design.
• Utilized secondary data analysis.
• Employed Knowles's adult learning theory as a guiding framework.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in nursing program passing scores was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < .001).
• Students experienced lower academic success rates in the altered educational landscape.
• The findings indicate a measurable negative effect of the pandemic on student achievement.

Conclusions:

• Nursing education faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The pandemic adversely affected nursing students' program passing scores.
• Nursing programs must identify and support students requiring additional assistance in response to educational disruptions.