Student Connectivity in Online Programs: Role of the Nurse Faculty

Online student connectivity is the experience of social presence and community. This article describes the results of a previously validated survey exploring experienced and desired connectivity among online master of science nurse practitioner students. Students reported experiencing more connectivity than initially desired. There was significant (P ≤ .05) variability by age, time in the program, and hours working. Students reported the highest connectivity with instructors. The results imply that nursing faculty/instructors must develop high-quality online learning communities that include strong teaching methods as well as social presence. Professional mentorship is imperative to transition nurse clinicians into online nurse educators.