Educational Challenges for Post‐Graduate Nursing Students Throughout the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

The COVID‐19 pandemic had immediate impact on nursing students enrolled in postgraduate and post‐registration nursing courses. Some students were required to undertake additional clinical hours and place their studies on hold, while others had clinical experiences and face‐to‐face classes suspended, with online learning modes quickly mobilized. While there have been many reports on the impact and experience of these changes on undergraduate students, limited reports have focused on challenges for nursing students who were registered for practice following completion of their undergraduate studies, and were enrolled in higher degree, postgraduate education programs. A scoping review was conducted to examine the literature reporting on education changes and challenges that occurred during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with specific focus on the postgraduate student learning experience. The review followed reporting guidance by PRISMA‐ScR and was underpinned by JBI methods. Seven databases were searched for relevant citations, published in any language, between 2019 and 2022. A protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. From 4207 citations retrieved, 14 studies were included focusing specifically on postgraduate student experiences and/or impact following curriculum changes from the pandemic. These studies included 2476 graduate students across various courses. Findings included mixed responses to e‐learning and changes in clinical environments, and with additional concerns such as financial stress, mental health needs and basic food needs reported. Inequity in resources and training was also highlighted. The few studies found to focus specifically on this cohort is a notable finding and highlights a need for further research specific to post‐graduate nursing students' educational needs.