Nursing Students’ Learning and Issues in Gerontological Nursing in Online Practical Training

Abstract

The aim of this research is to clarify student learning and the issues they faced in the practice of gerontological nursing that our students completed online from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was conducted involving 71 third-year students who completed practical training in October 2020, and their choice of answers regarding “students’ online learning environment” and free text answers regarding “what they have learned through practical training” were investigated through e-Learning systems. A total of 68 valid responses were analyzed, and the following 5 categories regarding students’ learning were extracted: 1. the pleasure of experiencing that their understanding about patients can improve the care and the pleasure experienced from interacting with the elderly; 2. the importance of verbalizing and transmitting information in a way that others can understand; 3. the reconfirmation of records to avoid mixing facts with assessment and discussion, and the development of behavioral goals for personal growth: 4. the multidisciplinary cooperation and care necessary to support the lives of patients; and 5. the importance of maintaining independence during the online practice and increasing the motivation to learn. This study revealed that the benefits of learning from on-site training could be obtained in part, by providing opportunities for students to be connected with both clinical practice instructors and patients. The results suggest the possibility that online practical training, where more time is shared among teachers and students, may help students understand the importance of learning behavior and independence generated from teacher-student interactions. It was suggested that there is a need for the improvement of the student’s online learning environment and practical training goals.