Fostering Belonging and Connection for Nurse Practitioner Students in a Hybrid Curriculum
Introduction: Over 80% of Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) programs offer remote courses, which can lead to student disconnection and burnout. The rise in remote learning post-COVID-19 suggests the need for student connection and competency. This study explored Nurse Practitioner (NP) students’ experiences with community-building and self-care activities during in-person 3-day clinical sessions. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Students (n=89) responded anonymously to two open-ended questions about their cognitive and affective experiences. A directed content analysis was conducted. Results: All students reported learning one or more technique or procedure. Most students (92%) had positive experiences, while 8% reported challenges. The data pointed to identification of three core constructs: 1) community connection, 2) cibfudebce abd comfort, 3) anxieties and difficulties, and 4) feeling supported and grateful. Conclusion: These themes demonstrate the importance of fostering community and belonging in distance-based APN programs. Specific activities during brief on-campus sessions can facilitate positive experiences and connection.
- 2025