Nursing students' learning experiences, outcomes, and methods in distance education: An integrative literature review

The transformation of nursing education has emphasized the role of distance education as a permanent component. Nursing students' learning experiences and outcomes in this format show considerable variation and raise questions about the most effective distance learning methods.

The aim of this integrative review was to explore nursing students' experiences with distance learning, identify the learning outcomes it produces, and examine the distance learning methods used in nursing education.

Integrative literature review.

A systematic literature search was conducted in the CINAHL (EBSCO, PubMed/Medline, Education database (ProQuest), Scopus and ERIC (EBSCO) databases, including peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2018 and 2024. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Quality appraisal was performed using Hawker et al.'s evaluation tool. Data was analyzed using inductive content analysis.

A total of 43 studies were included in the review. Five main themes were identified describing students' experiences: the accessibility of digital learning platforms, the quality and structure of learning materials, the acquisition of practical and clinical skills, social interaction and peer support, motivation, self-regulation, and emotional well-being. Learning outcomes were categorized into cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. The most common learning methods included synchronous, asynchronous, and blended approaches, with blended learning showing particularly positive results.

Distance education can support nursing students' learning when it is well-structured and combines pedagogical planning with interactive and practical elements. Not all competencies, particularly clinical skills, can be taught remotely. The learning experience is shaped by individual abilities, guidance, and technical conditions, and distance education may not suit all students equally well. Effective methods, especially blended learning, support engagement and learning when aligned with student needs and pedagogical goals.