ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic created many academic challenges. Shelter in place orders forced educational institutions to move on-ground learning to an online format. This necessitated transitioning traditional in-person events such as nursing residency to a virtual occurrence. Currently, there is a paucity of research to assist with transition to the virtual environment. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore faculty experiences transitioning to a virtual Doctor of Nursing Practice residency. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore faculty experiences with virtual residency. The sample included 11 nursing faculty. Data collection consisted of answering demographic and open-ended questions through an anonymous survey. RESULTS: Content analysis revealed two themes: (1) Essence of Residency was Missing and (2) Virtual Residency was an Acceptable Alternative. CONCLUSION: Based on these themes, recommendations for virtual residency improvement were identified that would be beneficial to both faculty and students, providing a better environment and enhanced virtual experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Results from this research begin building a foundation of knowledge for best practices when creating an academic nursing virtual event. Recommendations focus on ways to form a better virtual community, promote a relaxed scholarly environment, and uphold academic standards.
