Developing a digital nursing education model: A transformative learning approach in the COVID-19 era

Abstract

This study explores the acceleration of a Nursing Clinical Education Model based on Preceptorship Learning Theory, focusing on learning outcomes, continuing nursing education, and nursing skills in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 era. The pandemic has necessitated unprecedented adjustments to nursing education, particularly in clinical practice, as students must meet competency standards in an evolving healthcare landscape. Clinical educators play a crucial role in developing flexible, safe, and effective models of care education. This research employs a mixed-methods explanatory design, comprising three stages: a cross-sectional study to identify factors influencing learning outcomes, nursing skills, and digitalized transformative learning; qualitative research to develop a model framework; and the creation of training modules. The study surveyed 2,500 respondents, with data analyzed using SEM-PLS. Results indicate that clinical education using the preceptorship model is significantly influenced by factors such as organizational characteristics, the individual traits of clinical educators and students, job characteristics, and available learning facilities. The study highlights the need for critical care systems to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying existing processes to ensure optimal care delivery, professional satisfaction, and competency achievement.

Keyword: Clinical education; COVID-19; nursing education; preceptorship; transformative learning