Nursing Students' Determinants of Intentions in Volunteering to Care COVID-19 Patients

Purpose: This study explored nursing students' knowledge and beliefs variables (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control) as determinants of intention in volunteering to care for COVID-19 patients across multiple demographic groups (gender, academic level, and volunteering experience). Methods: This mediation Path analysis and multiple-groups Path analysis is part of a larger exploratory cross-sectional study that we conducted in July 2020. We developed and administered an online Likert-scale questionnaire to 437 nursing students. Results: Knowledge negatively predicted students' intentions to care for COVID-19 patients (r= −.258, p≤ .01), with perceived behavioral control as a mediator. Subjective norms positively predicted intention among males, seniors, and students with previous volunteer experience. Despite a significant relationship between knowledge and the belief variables, subjective norms had insignificant effect on the intentions of females, juniors, and those without volunteer experience. Conclusion: Building confidence and self-efficacy are essential in preparing nursing students for crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Revising healthcare policies to create opportunities for students to volunteer may help support the healthcare system and reduce the burden on nurses in crisis. Additionally, updating curriculums to build skills, confidence and promote opportunities for volunteering may help prepare nursing students to effectively assist in disasters.