Web-based experiential learning strategies to enhance the evidence-based-practice competence of undergraduate nursing students

Enhancing Nurse Practitioners' Emergency Care Competency and Self-Efficacy Through Experiential Learning: A Single-Group Repeated Measures Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Nurse practitioners serve a vital role as first responders in emergencies. This study investigated the effectiveness of experiential learning in enhancing emergency care competency and self-efficacy among nurse practitioners.

METHODS

A single-group repeated measures design was implemented from June to August 2023 at a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan, involving 95 nurse practitioners and NP trainees. Participants completed a baseline (T0) three-minute emergency simulation test, followed by one-on-one guidance, an immediate post-test (T1), and a follow-up test one month later (T2). The "Emergency Care Capability Checklist" (ECCC) was used to assess performance after each test, and the "General Self-Efficacy Scale" at T1 and T2.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 42.1 years (SD = 6.7), with 91 out of 95 participants (95.8%) being female. ECCC scores increased significantly from a baseline mean of 34.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 8.8 at T0 to 46.4 (SD = 4.3) at T1 (p < 0.001). Scores remained elevated at T2, with a mean of 44.7 (SD = 4.9), which was significantly higher than T0 (p < 0.001). However, scores at T2 were slightly lower than at T1 (p = 0.018). GSES scores also increased significantly from T1 (mean = 26.2, SD = 0.6) to T2 (mean = 28.0, SD = 0.6) (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that experiential learning was able to significantly improve nurse practitioners' emergency care competencies and self-efficacy. Future research should explore the application of experiential learning in diverse clinical settings to further advance emergency preparedness and self-efficacy among nurse practitioners.

Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice Competency among Greek Undergraduate Nursing Students

For several years, the global scientific community has accepted and recognized the importance of evidence-based practice for nursing science. The main factor for the implementation of evidence-based practice is the competence of undergraduate nursing students towards evidence-based practice, so that they as active nurses are ready for its application in their clinical practice, in order to provide better care for their patients. The aim of the present study is to examine the level of evidence-based practice competency evaluated with the self-reported Evidence-Based Practice Competence Questionnaire. It is important to mention that such a study has not been conducted on nursing students in Greece, but only on registered nurses. A quantitative study based on cross-sectional design was conducted from February to June 2022 in a convenience sample of Greek undergraduate nursing students. The SPSS 26.0 program was used to perform descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. A total of 175 undergraduate students participated at the Hellenic Mediterranean University Department of Nursing (Greece), specifically from the 2nd and 3rd academic years. The mean score of the Evidence-Based Practice Competence Questionnaire for nursing undergraduate students was 3.03 ± 0.26, indicating moderate evidence-based practice. Among the Evidence-Based Practice Competence Questionnaire dimensions, mean scores of 3.03 ± 0.32 for attitude toward evidence-based practice, 3.01 ± 0.49 for skills in evidence-based practice, and 3.03 ± 0.49 for knowledge in evidence-based practice were obtained. Significant differences among participants' mean Evidence-Based Practice Competence Questionnaire scores regarding gender (p = 0.766), age (p = 0.400), academic year (p = 0.153), and training in the field of research methodology (p = 0.538) were not found. It appears that the level of readiness towards evidence-based practice is mediocre among undergraduate nursing students at a university in Greece. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out new studies in the future, so that there is a correct approach of all the elements that contribute to the readiness of nursing undergraduate students regarding evidence-based practice.

Effectiveness synchronous e-learning in nursing education: A meta-analysis and subgroup analysis

AIM

This study aimed to identify the best available evidence of the effects of synchronous e-learning in nursing education through a meta-analysis and to compare mean effect sizes between study subgroups.

BACKGROUND

With the rapid development of synchronous e-learning, adequate preparation is essential, as the formulation of effective educational strategies is crucial for learners' success. However, rather than focusing solely on using technology to implement e-learning, instructors should design education programs that meet learning objectives while considering appropriate technologies and types of interactions.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis and a subgroup analysis were conducted.

METHODS

English and Chinese databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for relevant articles published between the inception of these databases through May 2023. The search included the establishment of these databases up until May 2023. Using a search strategy, we identified 3273 potentially relevant articles. Ten primary studies were included in the final analysis. We used random effect models to synthesize effect size (ES) and accommodate heterogeneity for the main effect. Sub-group analyses were conducted to analyze the variations in effect size to investigate possible causes of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We found synchronous e-learning to be more effective compared with the control groups, with a pooled random-effects standardized mean difference of 0.51, which is a medium effect size. Regarding learning outcomes, the effect size of reactions to learning (ES = 0.91, confidence interval [CI] = 0.14, 1.67) was higher than that of the psychomotor domain (ES = 0.57, CI = 0.17, 0.98), cognitive domain (ES = 0.63, CI = 0.11, 1.15) and affective domain (ES = 0.40, CI = 0.03, 0.76). In terms of interaction types and study characteristics were more effective if the studies included learner-learner interaction (ES = 0.83, CI = 0.36, 1.29), developed regions (ES = 0.55, CI = 0.17, 0.94), undergraduate nursing students (ES = 0.56, CI = 0.32, 0.80), no randomization (ES = 0.75, CI = 0.40, 1.10) and funding support (ES = 0.78, CI = 0.41, 1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Well-designed synchronous e-learning courses should consider learners' motivations and self-directed learning abilities by providing diverse learning resources and environments. Nurse educators should develop synchronous e-learning teaching strategies that include peer interaction. The affective domain of learning in synchronous e-learning needs to be developed and considered in future research.

Nurses' satisfaction with an educational web application to prevent transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms

Multidrug-resistant organism infections are a serious health problem globally, and can result in patient mortality and morbidity. In this descriptive study, we produced the first web application for transmission prevention specific to the situation based on nursing experience, knowledge, and practice guidelines and to evaluate web application satisfaction among Thai nurses. The sample comprised 282 Thai registered nurses experienced in caring for patients with multidrug-resistant organisms in a tertiary hospital. A demographic form and knowledge test were completed anonymously online. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The application emphasized crucial topics for which participants had low preliminary knowledge and included tutorial sessions, pictures, video clips, drills, and a post-test. The application was piloted with a random sample of 30 nurses, and an instrument tested their satisfaction with this. Results revealed that preliminary knowledge scores for preventing transmission were moderate, and participants were highly satisfied with the application. Findings suggest the application is suitable for Thai nurses and could be applied to nursing practice elsewhere. However, further testing is recommended before implementing it into nursing practice.

Effectiveness of an Evidence-Based Practice Education Program for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of evidence-based practice (EBP) education programs on undergraduate nursing students, focusing on enhancing EBP competency, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.

METHODS

The search, conducted through PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science up to December 2023, included studies published in English and Korean and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Qualitative appraisal of the studies was conducted using the revised ROB II for randomized trials and the ROBINS-I for non-randomized trials. For the meta-analysis, the effect size of the intervention was calculated as a standardized mean difference.

RESULTS

In our study, 11 studies met our inclusion criteria, and 8 studies of those were included in the meta-analysis. The effect sizes for EBP competency, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability were 1.55, 1.29, and 0.65, respectively. The meta-regression analysis indicated that tailored education programs of 4-7 weeks and being in the 4th grade significantly enhanced EBP competency.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the development of a customizable and applied EBP education actively for students, preparing nursing students to effectively implement EBP in clinical settings after graduation. Despite the significant effect size of the outcome variables, the high heterogeneity suggests the need for further investigation to validate the EBP educational outcomes for nursing students.

Exploring the potential impact of applying web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice: A quasi-experimental study

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained significant importance in clinical practice worldwide, including in nursing. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of applying a web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding EBP. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design was utilized with a purposive sample of 64 professional nurses who agreed to participate. The study took place in different hospitals and primary healthcare centers in the Bisha Governorate, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. A four-week standardized web-based training program was implemented using an online learning approach. Nurses were provided with an online self-rated data collection tool through the Google Forms platform. The findings indicated a highly significant difference in the total knowledge and EBP skills mean scores of the post-intervention (53.08±15.9) and (66.03±8.95), respectively compared to pre-intervention (P<0.05). Additionally, there was marked improvement in the mean scores of the positive attitude of the training sessions post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. The program was also well-received by the nurses in terms of quality and usability. The program has the potential to enhance nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward EBP. Therefore, healthcare organizations may consider adopting web-based training as a means of continuing professional education to promote EBP competencies among nurses.

Efficacy Testing of a Multi-Access Metaverse-Based Early Onset Schizophrenia Nursing Simulation Program: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This study investigated the effects of a multi-access, metaverse-based early onset schizophrenia nursing simulation program based on Raskin and Rogers' person-centered therapy. The program's effectiveness was tested using a nonequivalent control group pre-test/post-test design. A quasi-experimental simulation study with both pre- and post-test designs was adopted. The experimental group (n = 29) used the simulation program, whereas the control group (n = 29) received only an online lecture on schizophrenia nursing. Changes in scores among experimental and control groups were compared using independent t-tests and analyses of covariance with PASW SPSS-WIN 27.0. Post-intervention, the knowledge regarding patients with early onset schizophrenia, critical thinking ability, and the ability to facilitate communication increased significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group. The nursing simulation program for children with early onset schizophrenia using a metaverse improved nursing students' knowledge, critical thinking ability, and ability to facilitate communication. This training method should be adapted without spatiotemporal constraints by partially supplementing clinical and simulation-based practice. In clinical nursing training, metaverse technical limitations should be identified, and training topics should be selected. Employing EduTech in a metaverse environment can provide clinical education to nurses in psychiatric wards and improve therapeutic communication with their psychiatric patients.

The effectiveness of serious games designed for infection prevention and promotion of safe behaviors of senior nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Reminding health care workers, especially senior students, of the critical role they play in preventing COVID-19 transmission is more important than ever, therefore it is vital to reinforce graduate students' intrinsic motivation to implement infection prevention and control guidelines. Serious games are an interesting intervention that could improve adherence to COVID-19 safe behaviors to lower the high prevalence of nosocomial infections. These games, as a type of technology-enhanced simulation, can increase student satisfaction and engagement while still conveying vital ideas. For this reason, this study aimed to develop a serious game and evaluate its effectiveness to prevent the spread of infection and develop safe behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In total, 62 nursing students completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, COVID-19 information form, and game usability form, with the students' responses analyzed pre-test and post-test.

RESULTS

Serious game implementation significantly increased senior students' knowledge of infection and safe behaviors concerning COVID-19. The students also considered the practice of serious games an effective teaching strategy. Favorite aspects of the serious game according to students' statements; It was reported as reflecting the real hospital environment, including the nursing care process and roles, being informative, being compatible by phone, and each stage of the game tested a new knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Employing serious games for nursing skills development is an appropriate teaching method for infection prevention and promotion of safe behaviors among senior nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This game can be obtained free of charge for research and educational purposes.

Development and application of an online learning platform for nursing ethics: A teaching practice research

BACKGROUND

It is crucial to diversify the methods for clinical nurses to continue learning nursing ethics in that ethical decision-making ability in nursing is regarded as one of the core competencies in nursing practice.

OBJECTIVE

In response to nurses' learning needs for nursing ethics, this study built an online learning platform for the pertinent topic, and tested its effect on improving nurses' ethical decision-making ability and critical thinking ability.

DESIGN

A qualitative method was adopted to develop interventions, which were designed as a teaching practice research consisting of a study group and a control group.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 93 nurses, including 20 interviewees and 30 in the study group and 43 in the control group.

METHOD

Qualitative methods were employed to understand the learning needs of nurses. The judgment about nursing decisions and the critical thinking disposition inventory, learning effectiveness questionnaire and learning software quality evaluation scale were used as research tools in this teaching practice research. The SPSS 25.0 was adopted to analyze data by paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test.

RESULTS

In the measurement of the judgment about nursing decisions scale, the study group scored higher than the control group. The critical thinking disposition inventory scale identified a similar result in the total score incorporating the four dimensions, including analyticity, systematicity, critical thinking self-confidence, inquisitiveness. There is a correlation between learning software quality and learning effect, with a correlation coefficient of 0.640.

CONCLUSION

The online learning platform of nursing ethics built in this study has positive learning effects, and it demonstrates effectiveness to improve nurses' abilities in nursing ethics, decision-making and critical thinking. It is expected to be a viable way to improve the continuity of nurses' study of ethics.

Comparative study of virtual and face-to-face training methods on the quality of healthcare services provided by Kermanshah pre-hospital emergency staff (EMS): randomized educational Intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Emergency medical centers are globally one of the most important pillars of pre-hospital care. The most important purpose of this system is to provide satisfactory services in the shortest possible time and in accordance with the modern scientific standards of the world. The present study aimed to compare the effect of virtual and face-to-face training methods on the quality of service provided by Kermanshah pre-hospital emergency personnel, Iran.

METHODS

This was a randomized educational intervention trial performed among the staff of Kermanshah Emergency Medical Center. Individuals were randomly divided into two training groups of virtual and face-to-face. Participants in the face-to-face group received slides, lectures, and practical work with moulage for 6 h a day. Subjects were taught the four skills of intubation, laryngeal mask airway (LMA), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and attenuated electrical device (AED). Participants in the virtual group received the same content in the form of a training video on CD with a full explanation of the project's objectives. Pre- and post-test scores of participants were compared within and between the groups by Stata 14.0 software.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven individuals were participated in the study, 43 of whom were assigned to the face-to-face training group and 44 to the virtual training group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of work experience and educational level (P > 0.05). Post-training scores in both groups were significantly higher than pre-training in the four skills (P ≤ 0.005). After adjusting for educational level and work experience, however, the quality of CPR, intubation, and AED was higher in the face-to-face training group than in the virtual group. However, the increase in the mean score of LMA in the virtual training was not significantly different than that of the face-to-face training group.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study showed the same efficacy of both face-to-face and virtual methods in improving the performance of personnel in tracheal intubation, LMA, CPR and AED shock skills. E-learning methods can be used as a complement to face-to-face methods in education.

Defining 'research inspired teaching' and introducing a research inspired online/offline teaching (riot) framework for fostering it using a co-creation approach

BACKGROUND

There are calls to ensure that evidence-based practice is enabled for every midwife and nurse by means of education, research, leadership and access to evidence. Concurrently, there is a global call for universities to foster 'Research Inspired Teaching'. Yet such teaching must first be defined and may usefully be developed, delivered, and evaluated as part of a framework approach.

OBJECTIVE

To co-create a uniform definition of 'Research Inspired Teaching' and a framework for developing, delivering, and evaluating it.

DESIGN

A co-creation approach was taken, underpinned by the interpretive framework of communal constructivism.

SETTING

United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

The sampling strategy was purposive, whereby those who had reportedly actively engaged in 'Research Inspired Teaching' were invited to participate. The resulting multidisciplinary team of co-creators (n = 14) included students, educators, and self-identified facilitators of 'Research Inspired Teaching'.

METHODS

The co-creation of outputs was facilitated by two online co-creation workshops. All creative, written, and verbal contributions made by co-creators were collected as data and used to 'co-define', 'co-design' and 'co-refine' outputs. To enhance credibility, triangulation was used throughout. A final review of results presented in this article via all co-creators concluded this process.

RESULTS

This article presents a definition of teaching, a definition of research, a founding definition of Research Inspired Teaching and a guiding framework along with 10 core principles for developing, delivering, and evaluating it.

CONCLUSIONS

These outputs may be useful for both midwifery and nursing faculties, providing common language for collaboration and inspiring further developments and research. In pursuit of excellence, further international research could usefully investigate how these outputs may further bridge the Research-Teaching Nexus in Higher Education, and partner with other universities looking to cultivate, evidence and promote their own 'Research Inspired Teaching' in practice. In this pursuit, inter-university partnerships would be welcomed.

Effective online learning strategies for leadership and policy undergraduate courses for nursing students: a rapid review

OBJECTIVES

Due to the importance of developing leadership competencies during nursing education, it is critical to make evidence-based decisions regarding the transformation from face-to-face to online delivery of leadership and policy courses for nursing students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This rapid review aims to identify effective learning strategies for creating online leadership and policy courses for undergraduate nursing students.

DATA SOURCES AND REVIEW METHODS

A rapid review methodology was used. Searches in CINAHL and ERIC yielded 4112 records. After screening, seven articles were included. The Criteria for Describing and Evaluating Training Interventions in Healthcare Professions (CRe-DEPTH) tool was used for quality appraisal and data extraction. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the data.

RESULTS

The learning activities were heterogeneous in terms of content and format. Articles described the use of discussion forums, case studies, virtual clinical learning experiences, microblogging, and video clips. The methods of evaluation for these learning activities also varied greatly.

CONCLUSION

The findings will act as a steppingstone to help develop an online undergraduate leadership and policy nursing course. This review also demonstrated the need for rigorous evaluation of learning activities. The use of a tool such as the CRe-DEPTH can help instructors plan and report on their learning interventions or courses.

Active Learning in E-Learning Programs for Evidence-Based Nursing in Academic Settings: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The use of e-learning in nursing education has increased substantially. The goal of this study is to identify how active e-learning for evidence-based practice (EBP) was implemented in academic settings.

METHOD

For a scoping review, literature from PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE was searched with keywords related to e-learning and EBP, and only articles pertaining to nursing academic settings were selected. Finally, 17 studies were included. Data on theories or instructional strategies and types and characteristics of online activities were extracted.

RESULTS

Of the included studies, 14 had a pedagogical background. Frequently used activities included discussions, asynchronous communications, and a combination of student-student and student-teacher interactions. Critical appraisal was the primary learning content.

CONCLUSION

This study summarizes evidence on active learning to enhance the EBP competency of nursing students through e-learning. To make EBP e-learning more meaningful, educators should plan, apply, and evaluate appropriate online activities. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(9):407-412.].

Effects of a web-based education program for nurses using medical malpractice cases: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Education on legal obligations in healthcare related to medical malpractice is insufficient, which has the potential to reduce patient safety. Nurses need to improve their understanding of legal obligations in order to enhance patient safety. However, no easily accessible education program has been developed that covers both the concepts of legal obligations and patient safety.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to develop a web-based education program using medical malpractice cases and to evaluate the effectiveness with regard to legal obligations and patient safety competency of nurses.

DESIGN

The study design was a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a newly-developed web-based education program.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Seven experts and 19 learners evaluated the developed program. One hundred eighteen nurses working in three hospitals were randomly assigned to the intervention group (N = 59) and the control group (N = 59).

METHODS

The web-based program was developed using the analysis-design-development-implementation-evaluation model and evaluated by experts and learners. Data were collected from January to May 2019. The intervention was the five-week web-based education program. The post-test was conducted five weeks after the pre-test in the control and intervention groups.

RESULTS

The web-based program consisted of two modules on theoretical knowledge and seven modules on medical malpractice cases. The findings demonstrated significant differences in knowledge and cognition of legal obligations and patient safety competency between the control and intervention groups after the five-week intervention.

CONCLUSION

A web-based education program on medical malpractice cases enhanced nurses' awareness of legal obligations and patient safety competency. Therefore, this web-based educational program should be organized as an online continuing education program for clinical nurses. It will improve awareness of patient safety by clearly specifying the relationship between legal obligations and root causes of medical errors from various perspectives.

The effects of web based education and Kahoot usage in evaluation of the knowledge and skills regarding intramuscular injection among nursing students

BACKGROUND

Nursing is a discipline based on practice, which requires the integration of theory and implementation. Nurse educators should continuously review their curriculum and include "information technology" to help students obtain the required knowledge and skills.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to review the effects of Kahoot usage within the framework of web-based education evaluation regarding the intramuscular injection knowledge and skills of nursing students.

DESIGN

In this semi-experimental study, 110 first-year nursing students who registered in a university in Çankırı in the academic year of 2019-2020 and selected with simple random sampling participated.

METHOD

While the experimental group (n = 51) was experiencing Kahoot concerning web-based education and test evaluation, the control group (n = 59) experienced face-to-face education. To evaluate the knowledge of the students, the "Intramuscular Injection Knowledge test" and the "Checklist of Intramuscular Injection" were used in this study.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in knowledge scores and skill performance for intramuscular injection.

CONCLUSION

Web-based education and Kahoot usages in the evaluation showed positive effects on nursing students' intramuscular injection knowledge and skills. Therefore, Kahoot has shown itself as a promising, effective and beneficial tool as a formative evaluator in terms of motivating and supporting learning activities/processes. In light of the findings obtained in this study, we propose that Kahoot should be integrated into the curriculum in the web-based education of nursing as an alternative tool for formative evaluation.

A Web-Based Nursing Education for Thermoregulation

Neonatal nurses provide essential care in the hospital setting for improving infants' morbidity and mortality outcomes by preventing hypothermia after delivery. This quality improvement project describes the development and implementation of a web-based educational activity, demonstrating that online education effectively increases nurse knowledge and commitment to thermoregulation practices. A learning management system provides nursing professional development practitioners an effective method of improving nursing knowledge using a web-based educational curriculum in the clinical setting.

Experiences of nursing students under the unprecedented abrupt online learning format forced by the national curfew due to COVID-19: A qualitative research study

BACKGROUND

The unprecedented abrupt shift to remote online learning (OL) within the context of the national lockdown due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) highlights the importance of addressing students' preparedness in managing their first experiences with OL.

PURPOSE

To investigate the experiences of undergraduate nursing students during their first uses of OL to increase the understanding of their encountered opportunities and challenges.

DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative design guided by a phenomenological approach was used.

METHODS

The study used a purposive sampling technique to recruit 18 undergraduate nursing students from two universities. Data were collected using two focus group discussions, and the discussions with participants were audio/video recorded through the online platform Zoom due to the national imposed curfew. Content analysis employed Colaizzi's steps to derive the themes/categories.

RESULTS

The study revealed four themes: experience of helplessness, burdens, and burnout; the need for social and technical support to manage OL; the propensity to consider OL as a positive opportunity; and the deficiency of OL in fulfilling the educational outcomes of clinical courses.

CONCLUSIONS

Abrupt remote OL was a challenge to clinical encounters. This format was very stressful; however, it was also useful. The current study highlighted the need for further research on the effectiveness of remote OL platforms in regard to the achievement of the intended learning outcomes of clinical courses.

Experiential Learning Program to Strengthen Self-Reflection and Critical Thinking in Freshmen Nursing Students during COVID-19: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This article focuses on the unique needs and concerns of nursing educators and nursing students in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. During social distancing, interacting with other human beings has been restricted. This would undermine the experiential learning of nursing students. Hence, it is important to develop and evaluate an experiential learning program (ELP) for nursing education. A pre-test and post-test design were used. The study was conducted in a university in Central Taiwan. A total of 103 nursing students participated in the study from February to June 2019. The study intervention was the experiential learning program (ELP), including bodily experiences and nursing activities with babies, pregnant women, and the elderly. After the intervention, the students completed the self-reflection and insight scale (SRIS) and Taiwan Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (TCTDI) as outcome measures. An independent t-test showed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test in both SRIS and TCTDI (p < 0.01). The Pearson product-moment correlation analysis showed that SRIS and TCTDI were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.01). ELP has a significant impact on the self-reflection and critical thinking of first-year nursing students, which can be used as a reference for the education of nursing students. During these turbulent times, it is especially vital for faculties to provide experiential learning instead of the traditional teaching concept.