Empowering Newly Licensed Nurses: A Virtual Reality Approach to Boosting Self-Efficacy.

Abstract

The ICU's widening experience-complexity gap leaves Newly Licensed Registered Nurses (NLRNs) with less mentorship and lower self-efficacy. This study evaluated an immersive virtual reality (IVR) training program to boost NLRN confidence in high-acuity bedside procedures. Using a quasi-experimental design, results showed significant improvements (p < .05) across all procedures, with participants highlighting realism, engagement, and interdisciplinary learning. Findings support IVR as an innovative, effective teaching tool to improve NLRN self-efficacy during their transition to practice.