Perceptions of Nursing Students Regarding Clinical Teaching and Learning During COVID-19 at Selected Higher Education Institutions in Lesotho

Abstract

Nursing students and their clinical instructors in higher education institutions are faced with challenges regarding their clinical teaching and learning strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the perceptions of nursing students regarding clinical teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-experimental descriptive quantitative research design was used to collect data from 300 nursing students who were enrolled at selected higher education institutions in the 2021/22 academic year in Lesotho. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the respondents who completed a structured self-report questionnaire. Permission to conduct the study was granted by relevant authorities (ID147-2021). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS vs 23) and presented using tables and graphs and described analytically. The findings of the current study show that the minimum age of participants was 19 years and the maximum age was 39 years. The majority of respondents were female (69%: n=207) and studying for a BSc degree in Nursing and Midwifery (49%: n=146). Most nursing students had adequate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to prevent Covid-19 in the clinical area and simulation laboratories. They felt that clinical instructors and preceptors were available and competent to assist them in completing their clinical competencies and procedure file logbooks. Nursing students gained expertise in performing clinical procedures as they were able to perform return demonstrations in the simulation laboratory and clinical areas. Whilst clinical facilities and simulation laboratories had adequate Covid-19 prevention protocols and tools, there was inadequate personal protective equipment available. Conclusively, the perceptions of nursing students regarding clinical teaching and learning during Covid-19 were positive. More support for adequate personal protective equipment for nursing students remains crucial.