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