Experience of nursing students in simulation with V-sim at UNNE during 2022.

Abstract

In the field of nursing education, virtual simulators, such as V-sim, have emerged as crucial tools to improve students' practical skills and clinical decision making. These simulators provide a safe and controlled environment that allows future professionals to face realistic and challenging clinical situations. The study focused on analyzing the perceptions and emotions of nursing students during clinical simulations in zone 2, after training with the V-sim simulator in the Care Technologies subject at the Faculty of Medicine of the National University of the Northeast, during 2022. We sought to understand how participants feel, what factors influence their performance, and how teamwork and task assignment influence their response to these scenarios. An exploratory study was carried out with students in the fourth year of the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Virtual and physical simulations were used in the classroom, complemented by pre- and post-simulation questionnaires and a reflection forum. The data were analyzed through narrative analysis of the students' responses. The results showed that students experienced nervousness and anxiety, mainly due to lack of practical experience and familiarity with the simulation environment and materials. However, the presence of a group leader to organize the interventions helped to better manage the situation. Responses varied in level of anxiety and perception of the experience, suggesting individual differences in self-confidence and prior abilities. This study highlights the need to improve preparation, teamwork, and effective communication to optimize student performance in simulated clinical scenarios. The hypotheses and recommendations formulated can guide future research and improvements in nursing education, contributing to the development of highly trained health professionals prepared to face real clinical challenges.