Piloting Virtual Clinical Site Visits in a Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Background: In nurse practitioner (NP) programs, NP faculty are responsible for evaluating student progress via clinical site visits. The purpose of this pilot study revolved around investigating the following aims: virtual clinical site visit feasibility, faculty perspectives related to implementing virtual and face-to-face clinical site visits, and exploration of student learning and related experiences with both virtual and face-to-face site visits. Method:This mixed-methods pilot study included cross-sectional assessment of faculty and preceptor perspectives, as well as an open-ended qualitative descriptive survey for students. Results: Three themes of student experience were found: We Discussed Strengths and Weaknesses, I Had a Better Experience, and I Had Trouble. Faculty years in practice was significantly associated with preference of face-to-face visits and preference of observing preceptor teaching methods. Conclusion: Student learning needs for clinical site visits are multifactorial. Virtual site visits are feasible, cost effective, and time efficient for faculty and nursing administration needs.