Examining the Long-Term Impact of COVID-19-Induced Clinical Practice Changes on Problem-Solving Behaviors Among Newly Graduated Nurses: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: This study aimed to longitudinally examine how the cancellation or modification of the clinical practicum due to COVID-19 affected the nursing practice competence of newly graduated nurses in Japan.
Methods: A survey was conducted across three periods-June, September, and December 2022-to seek responses from participants. A total of 73 participants (two men and 71 women) who responded in all periods were included in the analysis. The survey included questions on the impact of the integrated and specific clinical practicums, including a self-assessment scale for nursing problem-solving behaviors.
Results: During all response periods, those whose practicums were entirely clinical scored significantly higher in nursing problem-solving behaviors. Furthermore, by December, "psychological support to patients for overcoming challenges" improved alongside the clinical experience of newly graduated nurses. However, their practical skills related to aggregating information, identifying improvements in nursing problems, facilitating smooth patient interactions, and individualizing assistance were challenging to improve along with clinical experience.
Conclusion: This study revealed that canceling or modifying the clinical practicum owing to COVID-19 impacted the problem-solving behaviors of newly graduated nurses.