The Effect of Online Education in Pandemic Process on the Professional Self-efficacy of Senior Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Unexpected extraordinary situations, which has affected the whole world, can negatively affect education as in all areas of life, and nursing education and clinical practices have also been affected. This study aimed to determine the opinions of the newly graduated nursing senior students about the online nursing education applied during the pandemic and their professional self-efficacy. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in May - June 2021 with 188 senior nursing students from 2 State and 2 Private Universities. Data were collected online and with Descriptive Information Form and Nursing Profession Self-Efficacy Scale (NPSES). Results: 85.1% of the students were not satisfied with their theoretical and practical education during the pandemic process, 81.4% of them thought that online education had a negative effect on vocational education. Only 29.3% of the students considered themselves professionally competent. The studentsʼ mean scores on NPSES, which includes items regarding the ethical values of the nursing profession, were at a good level (68.47±8.32). The studentsʼ access to technological equipment for online education was significantly related to their scores in theoretical and applied training, their level of preparedness for their future profession, and their perception of professional competence. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between studentsʼ readiness for their profession and their perception of professional competence (P<0.01). Conclusion: Students are dissatisfied with online education. They believe that it has a negative impact on their vocational education, theoretical and practical training, professional competence, and readiness for the profession. However, their self-efficacy in terms of upholding the ethical values of the nursing profession is at a good level.