A Multicenter Study About Resilience of Nursing Students and Faculty in Online Courses

Background: Resilience is the process of adapting well in adverse situations. Due to the challenges of teaching in online programs and the adaptations needed by students, it is important that faculty and students maintain a high level of resilience. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the resilience level of undergraduate and graduate nursing students and faculty who interact in an online environment and to determine factors that impact resilience. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design using a convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty at six accredited universities in the United States. Faculty and student resilience were measured using the Connor Davidson 10 Resilience scale instrument. Results: The sample included 92 faculty who taught at least one online course and 200 students who were enrolled in at least one online course. There was no difference in faculty or student resilience by generation or program. Overall resilience scores were at the moderate level for both students and faculty. Conclusion: Resilience has multiple benefits for both students and faculty, and is a critical concept for focus in nursing education at all levels.