Virtual Clinical Assignment Supports Practical Nurse Education

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions affected the traditional clinical component in practical nurse education programs. Nurse educators needed to develop virtual clinical assignments to promote critical thinking. The original clinical assignment set in a sub-acute nursing unit supports the development of prioritization abilities, clinical decision making, use of reputable information sources, and written communication skills. The assignment incorporates pharmacologic knowledge in applying interventions. Discussion with the instructor and clinical peers about prioritization, interventions, and rationales promoted teacher and student contact. The use of the virtual learning case study supports the practical nurse student in the development of the critical components required for praxis.