Satisfaction with Virtual Academic Advising in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era among Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction : College advising is one of the most effective services that a university can offer to students. Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many colleges and universities have converted to online student services. Using technology in advising has been more relevant than ever before. Aim : This study was designed to assess satisfaction with virtual academic advising in the COVID-19 era among nursing students. Design: This study adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Setting : This study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt. Participants: In this study, 179 first-year nursing students who completed the online electronic survey, were enrolled. Methods: Two tools were used to collect data on the students’ satisfaction with virtual advising from October 2020 to December 2020. Data analysis was mainly descriptive. Results: Statistically significant differences in general advising concerns and outreach functions were observed among the students ( p < 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant difference in the perception of virtual advising was observed among the students ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Most students were satisfied with their experience with virtual advising and perceived it as a better way to improve the advising process. Moreover, the students had a positive perception of virtual advising. Recommendation: Universities should incorporate technology in college advising to build a virtual environment that actively supports and enhances the advising system.