Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to compare the effects of online and on-site clinical practicum for nursing students, particularly in a situation where clinical practicum opportunities were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 65 nursing students who had experienced on-site clinical practicum were compared with 65 nursing students who had undergone online clinical practicum. The satisfaction of the students with their practicum was assessed using a 17-item satisfaction tool, while their clinical competence was evaluated using a 23-item Clinical Competency tool. Additionally, professional socialization was measured using a 52-item Professional Socialization Scale. The results of this study suggest that online clinical practicum may have similar effects on clinical competence and professional socialization as on-site clinical practice for undergraduate nursing students. Therefore, online clinical practicum could be a valuable supplement to clinical education, especially in situations where traditional practicum opportunities are limited due to infectious diseases or a lack of available practice institutions. In such cases, it can be considered an effective parallel or alternative to on-site clinical practice.