Integrating Virtual Simulation into Nursing Education: A Roadmap

Background: Simulation education is needed to train a highly competent nursing workforce. In-person simulation requires many resources, such as faculty, space, and time, that can negatively affect its feasibility. These barriers have prompted educators to seek new technologies to provide experiential learning opportunities, such as virtual simulation (VS). The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for educators to investigate alternative learning opportunities. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with pre-licensure and advanced practice nursing students. They participated in a VS learning experience that was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS)®, the Clinical Learning Environment Comparison Survey (CLECS 2.0), and the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M). Result: 197 pre-licensure and 11 advanced nursing practice students completed post-simulation evaluations. The results from the SUS scale found the overall virtual system effective. Evaluating the CLECS tool found students’ perceived experience was relatively similar for face-to-face simulation and screen-based simulation. The SET-M indicated students rated the VS simulation experience positively. Conclusion: VS for nursing education can be an effective experiential learning tool.