The Relationship Between On-Site Clinical Practice, Nursing Professional Value, and Nursing Clinical Self-Efficacy During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background During COVID-19, nursing students experienced variations in on-site clinical practice, such as a combination of on-site and non-face-to-face clinical practice. Although on-site clinical practice is critical for increasing nurses’ clinical self-efficacy and developing professional nursing values, there is a lack of knowledge that reflects the current clinical practice environment. Aim To examine the relationship between on-site clinical practice, nursing professional values, and nursing clinical self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study is a cross-sectional correlational study design. Demographic characteristics, on-site clinical practice, nursing professional values, and nursing clinical self-efficacy were assessed using an online survey from October 3, 2022, to November 6, 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t -test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression. Results Of the 86 participants, 18 (20.9%) were male and 68 (79.1%) were female. The duration of the participants’ average participation in on-site clinical practice was 39.67 days (61.04%). Nursing professional values significantly influenced clinical self-efficacy (β=0.379, p<0.001). However, on-site clinical practice was not significantly related to clinical self-efficacy (β=0.051, p=0.611). In terms of nursing clinical self-efficacy, measuring blood glucose had the highest score. On the other hand, establishing and maintaining intravenous catheters had the lowest scores. Conclusion Nursing students’ professional values were significantly associated with nursing clinical self-efficacy; however, the extent of involvement in on-site clinical practice during the pandemic did not have a significant impact on nursing clinical self-efficacy. Given that this study focused on a single university, it is imperative to replicate this research using diverse samples in the future. In addition, there is a need to establish a range of teaching and learning approaches for clinical practice, including simulation, online learning, and the use of state-of-the-art technology for faculty-student feedback strategies, in anticipation of the need for alternative practices.

The Relationship Between on-Site Clinical Practice, Nursing Professional Value, and Nursing Clinical Self-Efficacy During Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study [Letter]

“…Thus, it is imperative to structure laboratory exercises to provide feedback, enabling students to attain proficiency in nursing skills through consistent practicum and direct experience in hospital practice. 1 Nevertheless, this study identified numerous constraints: (1) The cross-sectional research design required to be revised to establish a causal relationship and did not offer a comprehensive understanding of professional values and clinical self-efficacy in nursing practice. (2) Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire, which may introduce bias into the gathering process.…”