The educational impact of nursing students’ perceived experience with virtual reality (VR) simulation: a qualitative analysis

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-06-13 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.05.020

Kristi J. Stinson PhD, RN, APN, PNAP, Leslie Rippon PhD, ATC

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

As healthcare education increasingly adopts immersive technologies, understanding student perspectives on virtual reality is essential for effective curriculum design.

Method

This study explored nursing students’ perceived experiences with the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in classroom-based learning. Data was collected through surveys and three open-ended questions with nursing students who participated in VR-enhanced learning activity on mass casualty triage and team communication.

Results

Qualitative analysis of the open-ended survey questions revealed four central themes: enhanced confidence and preparedness, technical skill acquisition, communication and teamwork insights, and the value of experiential learning. Students expressed that VR provided a safe environment to practice complex clinical scenarios which improved their confidence in clinical judgment and preparedness, and allowed for practice with prioritization, team communication and experiential learning.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that VR is a valuable pedagogical tool in nursing education, promoting experiential learning and bridging the gap between classroom instruction and clinical practice.

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虚拟现实（VR）模拟护理学生感知体验对教育的影响：定性分析

随着医疗保健教育越来越多地采用沉浸式技术，了解学生对虚拟现实的看法对于有效的课程设计至关重要。方法探讨护生在课堂学习中使用虚拟现实（VR）技术的感知体验。通过问卷调查和三个开放式问题收集数据，这些学生参加了vr增强的大规模伤亡分诊和团队沟通学习活动。结果开放式调查问题的定性分析揭示了四个中心主题：增强信心和准备，技术技能获得，沟通和团队合作的见解，以及体验式学习的价值。学生们表示，虚拟现实技术提供了一个安全的环境来练习复杂的临床场景，提高了他们对临床判断和准备的信心，并允许进行优先排序，团队沟通和体验式学习。结论虚拟现实是护理教育中一种有价值的教学工具，可以促进体验式学习，缩小课堂教学与临床实践之间的差距。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty