A Virtual World: New Graduate Education in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract

In this article, the authors share strategies of adult learning principles for successful transition to virtual learning for new graduate clinical nurses. Knowles' theory was used to redesign a simulation-based education approach to fulfill the diverse learning needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The delivery of efficient, effective, and meaningful education was achieved by leveraging technology. This evidence-based strategy was delivered via a cost-effective virtual platform that offered improved accessibility and convenience of education without compromising the quality of the educational outcomes, participant engagement, or learner satisfaction. This virtual platform incorporating a variety of active learning strategies exhibited effective practices, engaging the new graduate clinical nurses and enhancing their acquiring, retaining, and applying knowledge in providing high-quality and safe patient care. It demonstrated the promise that virtual education holds for future programs to enhance professional development and build the nursing workforce. Nurse educators can be instrumental in advancing this virtual agenda. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 2022;53(7):307–311.]