Teaching In The Shadows: Lived Experiences Of ClinicalInstructors During COVID-19 Pandemic

AUTHOR(S)

ARVIN CHRISTIAN P. DE LOS REYES

ABSTRACT

——— In the hushed corridors of adversity, clinical instructors become beacons of unwaveringdedication, illuminating paths through the pandemic’s shadowy maze. The quiet challenges andenduring resilience resonate with a steadfast dedication to enhancing the quality of nursingeducation’s future amid the hidden obstacles of the educational landscape. This study delveddeeplyinto the lived experiences of clinical instructors during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturingtheresilience, adaptability, and unwavering professionalism they showcased amidst emotional, mental, and professional struggles. Using a mixed-method research design, the study conducted qualitativeinterviews to capture the nuanced experiences of clinical instructors and quantitative questionnairesto identify teaching challenges during the pandemic. The interview responses were carefullytranscribed and analyzed, resulting in ten detailed case studies that provided depth and meaningtothe instructors’ experiences. Despite significant emotional and professional challenges, clinical instructors showed resilience and adaptability in shifting from in-person to online teaching. Thestudyhighlighted their commitment to maintaining nursing education quality during adversity. For School Administrators, developing adaptable instructional policies and providing regular training toclinical instructors is essential for enhancing clinical education quality, especially in response to challengeslike the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers should revise educational laws to better recognizeclinical instructors’ roles and allocate resources for their professional development. Clinical instructors should reflect on the study’s findings to improve their adaptability and seek additional support and training. Healthcare professionals can use the study to implement effective care policiesand advocate for the support and recognition of clinical instructors. Society should recognizethecrucial role of clinical instructors and support initiatives to improve healthcare education. Futureresearchers should use the study as a basis for exploring different aspects of clinical educationandfocus on specific challenges or innovations in healthcare teaching. Keywords — COVID-19 Pandemic, Lived Experiences, Clinical Instructors, Flexible Learning