Clinical nursing education experiences of undergraduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Preparing competent nurses demands robust clinical education that immerses students in highquality patient care settings. Clinical experiences offer critical perspectives on the systemic strengths
and weaknesses that affect health service delivery. While guidance and supervision are essential for
undergraduate nursing students in clinical training, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these
processes. This study examines undergraduate nursing students' clinical education experiences
during the COVID-19 pandemic at a university in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A qualitative,
exploratory, descriptive design was employed, with purposeful sampling of undergraduate nursing
students. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were audio-recorded with participant consent,
achieving data saturation at 15 participants. Ethical principles were upheld throughout. Three
themes emerged: (1) Effects of lockdown on clinical exposure; (2) Influence of COVID-19 on clinical
support; and (3) Proposed solutions for future pandemics. Findings reveal that COVID-19
profoundly altered nursing culture in clinical environments. To build resilience against future health
crises, nursing education must prioritize sustainability. Creating supportive clinical practice settings
for undergraduate students remains crucial.