Authors: Jill Vihos, PhD, RN, Andrea Chute, PhD, RN, Sue Carlson, MN, RN, Mamta Shah, PhD, Karen Buro, PhD, Nirudika Velupillai, MN, RN

While virtual reality simulation (VRS) is increasingly integrated into nursing curricula, its specific impact on early-stage students in foundational lab courses warrants thorough investigation. This mixed-methods explanatory study evaluated the relationship between VRS, student satisfaction, and self-confidence within a health assessment laboratory course.

Thirty-seven second-year nursing students completed a postoperative respiratory distress scenario using Elsevier’s Simulation Learning System with Virtual Reality. Quantitative outcomes were measured using the validated Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale, complemented by qualitative insights gathered through 1:1 semi-structured interviews with a participant subset.

Findings demonstrated a strong correlation between VRS use and elevated levels of student satisfaction and self-confidence. Qualitative analysis highlighted that environmental fidelity, peer collaboration, integrated critical thinking, and a safe learning space were pivotal drivers of learner success. The authors concluded that VRS is a highly effective modality for reinforcing foundational clinical assessment skills.

The full research article can be found here.

MacEwan University has used the SimX platform in its simulation training.