Shiferaw Gelchu Adola
Background: COVID-19 brings several challenges to nursing education that involves both classroom theory and clinical-based practical education. These challenges affect the function of health care and academic institution. The students were vulnerable to the challenges of COVID-19 in the clinical care setting. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges of COVID-19 experienced by nursing students during their clinical practice education.
Methods: The qualitative study method used a phenomenological approach. A total of four Focus group discussions were conducted in this study. Each FGD consists of six participants in which twelve from third and twelve from fourth-year nursing students. The Quota sampling technique was applied in this study to enroll study participants. The moderator who fluently speaks the English language and Note taker was involved in the study to guide group discussion and to record the data. ATLAS.ti version-7 software was used for coding and forming quotations.
Results: After data analysis, four main themes and twelve subthemes emerged in this study. The main themes of this study were; Risks to contracting COVID-19, Negative impact on health care, Worry, and Loss of experienced staff.
Conclusion: Nursing students faced many challenges of COVID-19 during clinical practices. These challenges affect nursing students in learning practical skills and health care facilities to provide quality care. The students give emphasize on their learning by implementing COVID-19 prevention protocols. In addition, health care workers focused on safe procedural practices.
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