Perceived Effect of Covid-19 on Nursing Students' Clinical Experiences in University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital, Ondo

COVID-19 is a communicable respiratory disease which was unexpected by students in training. This study assessed the perceived effect of covid-19 on nursing students’ clinical experiences in university of medical science teaching hospital, Ondo. The study was a cross sectional survey. A total of 164 nursing students were selected using a two-stage sampling technique from University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo State, Nigeria. The respondents were mostly (84.8%) female, with majority having 1-2 night duties per week. The findings from the study revealed a significant relationship between effect of COVID-19 pandemic and clinical experience of nursing students (p=0.002). Majority of the respondents have good knowledge of COVID-19, due to COVID-19 pandemic, communication and interactions with patients and other nurses were affected during clinical training due to social distancing. However majority of the nursing students in UNIMEDTH has not changed their interest in nursing profession due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Covid-19 pandemic has significant effect on nursing students clinical experiences. The study therefore recommended additional educational intervention, and training programs for nursing students to improve their understanding of the nature of COVID-19 infection and prevention strategies to prepare ahead of future outbreak.