Abstract
The global shift toward online and hybrid nursing education has transformed how nurses learn, offering flexible pathways for students across diverse geographic and socioeconomic contexts. As nations continue to face nursing shortages, digital and distance education models have expanded access, yet ensuring high-quality, competency-based preparation in virtual environments remains a major challenge. Concerns include the adequacy of virtual learning for developing clinical reasoning, variability in clinical training standards across countries, and disparities in technological access that directly affect learning outcomes. These issues reflect findings in current literature, showing the need for evidence-based strategies to ensure that digitally educated nurses are prepared for safe and effective practice within diverse healthcare systems.
A significant global challenge is replicating hands-on skill development in virtual formats. Simulation, telehealth-based encounters, and emerging VR/AR technologies provide valuable experiential learning, but their availability, cost, and implementation vary widely. Limited broadband, device access, and technological infrastructure in low-resource regions further widen inequities. Online programs worldwide face common concerns regarding student engagement, academic integrity, and the development of critical-thinking skills in asynchronous or self-directed settings.
In response, educators across the globe are adopting innovative approaches to strengthen online nursing education. These include integrating scalable virtual simulation platforms, expanding telehealth competencies to reflect the digitization of healthcare, and implementing hybrid clinical models that blend online coursework with regionally accessible clinical training. Strengthening international academic–practice partnerships and investing in faculty development are essential for ensuring consistent quality. Establishing global frameworks for competency assessment and incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy can help harmonize standards while respecting local needs.
As global health systems evolve, investing in high-quality, equitable online nursing education is crucial. International collaboration, shared standards, and strategic use of technology can help ensure that online education across all levels of nursing—from entry-level to advanced practice—produces clinicians well prepared to meet the complex and rapidly changing needs of populations worldwide.
Notes
References:
Alsharari, A.F., Salihu, D. & Alshammari, F.F. Effectiveness of virtual clinical learning in nursing education: a systematic review. BMC Nurs 24, 432 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03076-y
Bunkers, K., (2023). Belonging in online nursing education. O J I N: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 28(2). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol28No02PPT23
Cho, M.-K., & Kim, M.-Y. (2024). The effect of virtual reality simulation on nursing students’ communication skills: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1351123. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1351123
Liu, K., Zhang, W., Li, W., Zheng, Y. (2023). Effectiveness of virtual reality in nursing education: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medical Education, 23, 710. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04662-x
Medel, D., et al. (2024). Analysis of Knowledge and Satisfaction in Virtual Clinical Simulation Among Nursing Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(2), 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020081
Naciri, A., Radid, M., Kharbach, A., & Chemsi, G. (2021). E-learning in health professions education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Journal of Education and Evaluation for Health Professions, 18, 27. https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2021.18.27
Sim, J. J. M., et al. (2022). Virtual Simulation to Enhance Clinical Reasoning in Nursing: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nurse Education Today, 117, 105439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105439
Shokoya, A., Zheng, C., Mortimer, H., Gondal, S., Bellou, S., & Mensah-Wilson, V. (2023). A systematic review on nursing students’ experiences with e-learning. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, 18(3). https://cjni.net/journal/?p=12219
Sim, J. J. M., et al. (2022). Virtual Simulation to Enhance Clinical Reasoning in Nursing: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nurse Education Today, 117, 105439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105439
Sigma Membership
Phi Sigma
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Academic-Clinical Partnership, Curriculum Development, Virtual Learning, Nursing Education, Online Education, Education Standards
Recommended Citation
Odgers, Kaneez R. and Franks, Shantha, "Advancing Quality in Online Nursing Education: A Global Perspective" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 195.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/195
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-23
Advancing Quality in Online Nursing Education: A Global Perspective
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The global shift toward online and hybrid nursing education has transformed how nurses learn, offering flexible pathways for students across diverse geographic and socioeconomic contexts. As nations continue to face nursing shortages, digital and distance education models have expanded access, yet ensuring high-quality, competency-based preparation in virtual environments remains a major challenge. Concerns include the adequacy of virtual learning for developing clinical reasoning, variability in clinical training standards across countries, and disparities in technological access that directly affect learning outcomes. These issues reflect findings in current literature, showing the need for evidence-based strategies to ensure that digitally educated nurses are prepared for safe and effective practice within diverse healthcare systems.
A significant global challenge is replicating hands-on skill development in virtual formats. Simulation, telehealth-based encounters, and emerging VR/AR technologies provide valuable experiential learning, but their availability, cost, and implementation vary widely. Limited broadband, device access, and technological infrastructure in low-resource regions further widen inequities. Online programs worldwide face common concerns regarding student engagement, academic integrity, and the development of critical-thinking skills in asynchronous or self-directed settings.
In response, educators across the globe are adopting innovative approaches to strengthen online nursing education. These include integrating scalable virtual simulation platforms, expanding telehealth competencies to reflect the digitization of healthcare, and implementing hybrid clinical models that blend online coursework with regionally accessible clinical training. Strengthening international academic–practice partnerships and investing in faculty development are essential for ensuring consistent quality. Establishing global frameworks for competency assessment and incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy can help harmonize standards while respecting local needs.
As global health systems evolve, investing in high-quality, equitable online nursing education is crucial. International collaboration, shared standards, and strategic use of technology can help ensure that online education across all levels of nursing—from entry-level to advanced practice—produces clinicians well prepared to meet the complex and rapidly changing needs of populations worldwide.
Description
This session explores global strategies for ensuring high-quality, equitable online and hybrid nursing education, addressing challenges in clinical skill development, technological access, and competency assurance. Participants will gain practical, evidence-based approaches to strengthen digital nursing education across diverse settings.