Date of Award

Summer 2021

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Tammy Morrow

Preceptor

Dr. Lisa Shiver

Abstract

Background: Simulation has been a part of nursing education since its inception, with virtual clinical simulation gaining expanded use since the Coronavirus Pandemic. Once considered only a supplemental teaching method, this form of education has become an imperative means of program progression for nursing students when hospital clinical spaces are limited.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate potential differences in nursing student perceptions of anxiety and self-confidence with clinical decision making in virtual clinical simulation compared to traditional face-to-face clinicals.

Design Methods: A descriptive, quantitative study using the NASC-CDM© tool completed by 5th (final) semester nursing students was analyzed using a series of paired t-tests. The 27-item post-test survey was completed after both virtual clinical simulation sessions and traditional face-to-face clinical sessions using a numerical scale for students to rate their perceptions of anxiety and self-confidence with clinical decision making.

Conclusion: Fourteen items were identified as statistically significant for reported increased self-confidence with clinical decision making in traditional face-to-face clinicals compared to virtual clinical simulation. Two items were identified as statistically significant for increased anxiety with clinical decision making in virtual clinical simulation compared to traditional face-to-face clinicals.

Implications for Nursing: This study may enlighten the schools of nursing, accrediting bodies, and state boards of nursing with the usefulness of virtual clinical simulation in future nursing curriculum.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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