New Normal Era: Blended Learning Experience from the Lens of the Student Nurses

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: This research aims to explore student nurses' experience with blended learning since it is new to the nursing school system in the Philippines. Furthermore, its goal is to discover students' voices dealing with blended learning. Research Method: The study utilized a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research design. It aims to understand and interpret emotionally laden topics. The investigation uncovers what a lived experience means to the individual through in-depth interviews. The researcher conducted this study according to ethical principles to avoid potential participant harm. The School's Research Ethics Committee reviewed the manuscript and granted authorization approval. The research team ensured the participants' privacy throughout the study by maintaining confidentiality for all collected data. Each participant was assigned a code to uphold confidentiality. In this study, ten (10) participants were interviewed via zoom and the transcripts were analyzed using the Giorgi method of thematic analysis. Findings: The ten (10) transcripts yielded four hundred forty-seven (447) significant statements, four hundred ninety-five (495) final codes, fourteen (14) subthemes, and finally, two (2) emergent themes, namely: 1) The future of Nursing Education through adaptation, innovation, and revolutionary learning and 2) Blended learning empowers diversity of learners. Implications: Based on the findings, teaching strategies heavily affect students' interaction, engagement, and attentiveness. Safe learning environments, rest or comfort at home, affordability, and reduced travel time are the advantages of using blended learning strategies for online learning, while simulations, schedules, reduced travel time, actual clinical exposures, and improved knowledge retention are the benefits of using blended learning strategies for face-to-face learning while fragile internet access, meeting deadlines for requirements, increased costs, teachers' differing approaches to handling requirements, schedule conflicts, and getting up early in the morning are challenges for student nurses using blended learning methodologies. Hence, creating a more equitable and effective system that benefits everyone is by transforming education and care through innovation and inclusion.