Nursing/midwifery students' perceptions of caring pedagogy and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This study aimed to gain a better understanding of nursing/midwifery students' perspectives on a pedagogy of caring and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it aimed to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students' perceptions and experience of online learning and students' desire to enter the nursing/midwifery workforce. Design: Mixed methods. Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey of Australian nursing and midwifery students was undertaken to explore students' experience of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: There are several key findings from this study that may be relevant for the future delivery of undergraduate health education, students transitioning to practice and healthcare workforce retention. The study found that although students were somewhat satisfied with online learning during COVID-19, students reported significant issues with knowledge/skill acquisition and barriers to the learning process. The students reported feeling less prepared for practice and identified how clinical staff were unable to provide additional guidance and support due to increased workloads and stress. The textual responses of participants highlighted that connection/disconnection, empathy and engagement/disengagement had an impact on learning during COVID-19. Conclusion: Connection, engagement and isolation were key factors that impacted nursing students' online learning experiences. In addition, graduates entering the workforce felt less prepared for entry into practice due to changes in education delivery during COVID-19 that they perceived impacted their level of clinical skills, confidence and ability to practice as new graduate nurses/midwives. Patient or Public Contribution: Not applicable. Impact: Attention must be given to the transition of new graduate nurses and midwives whose education was impacted by pandemic restrictions, to support their professional career development and to ensure retention of future healthcare workforce.  Connection, engagement and isolation were key factors that impacted nursing students' online learning experiences. Educators should consider how connection and engagement can be actively embedded in the online learning environment.