ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The unprecedented pandemic presented new stresses and challenges in nursing education impacting the mental health of nursing students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between virtual learning and the mental health of nursing students. METHOD: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 256 nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Data were collected through an online survey using 2 screening tools for stress, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: Mean sum Patient Health Questionnaire-4 scores and subscale scores suggest that more than 40% of students experienced mild to moderate levels of psychological distress. Mean sum Perceived Stress Scale-10 scores indicate 84% of students experienced moderate levels of stress, and 14% experienced high levels of stress. CONCLUSIONS: During periods of societal crisis, faculty must be hypervigilant to the mental health needs of students.
Subject(s)
Education, Distance , Education, Nursing , Mental Health , Pandemics , Students, Nursing , Cross-Sectional Studies , Education, Nursing/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Mental Health/statistics & numerical data , Students, Nursing/psychology , Students, Nursing/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has radically changed the future of study abroad, yet students require the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide care for diverse cultures across geographical boundaries. The purpose of this article is to facilitate innovative learning opportunities in order to meet global health competencies in the physical or virtual classroom when study abroad is not feasible. APPROACH: Based on a review of published literature related to global health competencies and nursing over the last decade, a description of suggested global learning activities is provided. RESULTS: Few research publications exist to describe activities for meeting global health competencies when travel abroad is restricted. The proposed activities provide a foundation to address the gap in literature and to establish a trajectory for future research. DISCUSSION: The challenge is to demonstrate evidence of global health competency attainment when students are confined to their local community.