PERCEPTIONS OF NURSING UNDERGRADUATES ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACED FOR TRAINING IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and discuss the challenges faced by nursing undergraduates of a public higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: exploratory, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with nursing undergraduates from a public university in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Data collection took place between July 2021 and February 2022, using exclusively digital questionnaires. Descriptive analyses and statistical tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were performed. Results: the study included 112 nursing undergraduates, mostly female, mean age of 20.9 years, white color/race, single, without children, with a family income of up to three minimum wages. The main challenges were: difficulty in adapting to remote teaching, changes in daily routine, distraction with subjects not discussed in class, fear and/or anxiety regarding the pandemic, difficulty in family support, influence of social isolation on interest in classes, need for institutional programs of financial and psychological support and government encouragement to disseminate measures against the coronavirus. Challenges such as difficulty in handling technological equipment and financial concerns were statistically associated with the variables computer and notebook ownership, quality of internet connection and private study environment. Conclusion: the study raised reflections that emerged from a scenario of health and educational crisis, indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic caused relevant challenges for undergraduate nursing students' learning.