Investigation of the Effect of Covid-19 Pandemia Process on Anxiety and Self-Confidence Levels in Clinical Deci̇si̇on Maki̇ng in Last Class Nursing Students

Abstract

To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic process on anxiety and self-confidence levels in clinical decision making in last class nursing students. The sampling of this descrıptıon study consisted of 161 last class nursıng students. The data were collected using the "Personal Information Form and Clinical Decision Making Anxietyand Self-Confidence Scale in Nursing". Anxiety total score of last class nursing students in clinical decision making was 73.03 ± 24.66 (27.00- 162.00) and total self-confidence score was 92.97 ± 27.67 (27.00-162.00). A significant difference was found in terms of the anxiety levels of students in clinical decision making and their age and the motivation to start the profession due to the pandemic. A statistically significant difference in terms of self-confidence levels and family in terms of being diagnosed with COVID-19 and being satisfied with education, willingly choosing nursing, using theoretical knowledge during the education process in clinical practice, inability to practice in the hospital in the pandemic to affect their anxiety and self-confidence in clinical decision-making and the motivation to start the profession due to the pandemic. It has been determined that the inability of last class nursing students to practice in the clinical setting in the pandemic increases their anxiety and decreases their self-confidence in clinical decision making.

Self-confidence and Anxiety Levels of Nursing Students in the Decision-Making Process Related to Surgical Patient Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In a study by Arda Sürücü et al using the same scale, it was reported that the student's total anxiety score in clinical decision-making was 73.03 ± 24.66. It was stated that nursing students' anxiety increased in clinical decision-making during the pandemic (12). Another study on nursing students during the pandemic showed that their anxiety levels rose with the pandemic situation (16).…”

“…Anxiety may result from interrupting students' education and transition to online learning, inadequate distance learning strategies, and increased homework and workload. Moreover, the most significant sources of anxiety are thought to be related to the fear of infection and transmission regarding themselves and their loved ones brought by continuing clinical practice, lack of personal protective equipment, and practices required by COVID-19 precautions in clinics (9,12,16,17).…”

“…A study reported that the student's self-confidence score in clinical decision-making was 92.97 ± 27.67. It was found that students' self-confidence in clinical decision-making declined during the pandemic (12). It was stated that the pandemic period negatively affected students' academic life.…”

“…Self-confidence was found to have a positive effect on clinical decision-making (5). It is believed that the high self-confidence levels of students may be related to their knowledge level, clinical experience, positive experiences, and positive role models that increased their self-confidence level (5,12,13,18). We observed a statistically significant difference between the student's class level, reason for choosing the nursing department, desire for graduate education, having COVID-19, fear of catching the COVID-19 virus, following the surgical patient with positive COVID-19 test, and scale mean scores.…”

“…Their inability to practice in the hospital during the pandemic negatively affected their anxiety and self-confidence in clinical decision-making and their motivation to start their profession (12). In a study, it was stated that the pandemic period negatively influenced the educational life of students, and they were unhappy.…”