Using COVID-19 Opportunities to Enrich Student Experiences.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has and continues to challenge nursing faculty in providing students with traditional capstone experiences. Because of the pandemic, nursing students have been limited in participating in traditional capstone projects within community and health care settings. METHOD: In collaboration with the local public health department, senior nursing students were asked to volunteer in a public health project called a Serosurvey. Faculty quickly pivoted course curriculum to continue to meet course outcomes, while incorporating the Serosurvey as an alternative capstone project. RESULTS: A total of 85 baccalaureate nursing students participated in the alternative capstone project. Students were active participants in the interprofessional project, which increased their awareness of public health needs and issues while fostering critical thinking, time management, and resilience skills. CONCLUSION: Nursing faculty can identify opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly involve their students in projects and community work as part of their curriculum. [J Nurs Educ. 2022;61(2)105-106.].