Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted the education and clinical training of nursing students. Clinical sites shut out students over low equipment supplies, physical distancing requirements, and redeployment of staff.

Purpose and methods

The purpose of this paper is to highlight a progressive solution to engage nurse practitioner students as part of the COVID-19 response given the disruption of their traditional clinical training environments so that student could continue to matriculate and graduate in a timely manner.

Findings

Nurse practitioner students swiftly responded and were deemed an essential part of the nursing workforce.

Discussion

Policy implications for advanced nursing practice and education for telehealth and simulation research moving forward is also provided.