A Distance Accessible Education Model: Teaching Skills to Nurse Practitioners

J Nurse Pract. 2021 Sep;17(8):999-1003. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.05.018. Epub 2021 Jun 19.

Abstract

Introduction: Health care providers in rural areas are often unable to attend continuing education trainings due to limited staffing coverage. The coronavirus pandemic has created a unique situation, requiring many health care providers to obtain continuing education through virtual offerings.

Methods: This study used a descriptive design with a team-developed presurvey for demographics, 2 posttraining instruments, and a team-developed competency validation checklist.

Results: The study sample included nurse practitioner (NP) students and practicing NPs. All participants met competency in the skills validation.

Discussion: The results indicate that continuing education and competency validation of procedures is feasible in a virtual format.

Keywords: continuing education; nurse practitioners; primary care procedures; simulation; virtual learning.