Self-Efficacy and Concerns of Graduate Nursing Students Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Many nurse practitioner students work as nurses while balancing family obligations and graduate school work.  The purpose of this project is to learn more about the self-efficacy and concerns of rural graduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sample: Family nurse practitioner students at a rural, public, liberal arts university in the Southeastern United States participated in the study.

Method: Demographic information and survey information was obtained from graduate nursing students to assess their self-efficacy and concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, using the 10-item General Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale.

Findings: Respondents reported varied effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on work schedules.  The mean GSE self-efficacy score was 3.32 across two-time points (n=67).  Nine qualitative themes were revealed: concerns about contracting and transmitting COVID-19, importance of personal protective equipment and hygiene, impacts at home, stress, decreased clinical placements, coping strategies, public health preparedness, future effects of COVID-10, and a renewed commitment to nursing.

Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experiences of rural graduate nursing students caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: graduate nursing education, self-efficacy, pandemic, COVID-19

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i2.678