Nursing Education Amid a Pandemic: Mental Health in a Time of Virtual Learning

Amerson, Roxanne; Fisher, Beth; Bible, Joe; Burgess, Lena; Ravan, Leslie; Ward, Linda

BACKGROUND: The unprecedented pandemic presented new stresses and challenges in nursing education impacting the mental health of nursing students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between virtual learning and the mental health of nursing students. METHOD: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 256 nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Data were collected through an online survey using 2 screening tools for stress, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: Mean sum Patient Health Questionnaire-4 scores and subscale scores suggest that more than 40% of students experienced mild to moderate levels of psychological distress. Mean sum Perceived Stress Scale-10 scores indicate 84% of students experienced moderate levels of stress, and 14% experienced high levels of stress. CONCLUSIONS: During periods of societal crisis, faculty must be hypervigilant to the mental health needs of students.