The Effects of Situation-Based Learning Programs in Professional Communication for Nursing College Students

Objectives This study aimed to develop and validate a situation-based learning program for enhancing empathy, communication skills, and professional self-concept among nursing college students. Methods The research targeted 20 fourth-year nursing students at a university in P City, and the study was conducted from August to December 2022. The experimental group received the situation-based learning program, consisting of 13 sessions, totaling 26 hours, throughout one semester. To assess the program's effectiveness, a survey was administered before and after the situation-based learning. Results Following the implementation of the situation-based professional communication program, empathy scores changed from 3.70±0.56 to 3.71±0.55 (t=-.048, p=.962), communication skills scores changed from 3.65±0.37 to 3.60±0.34 (t=.515, p=.613), and professional self-concept scores changed from 4.04±0.36 to 4.13±0.31 (t=-1.613, p=.123). However, these changes were not statistically significant. The overall satisfaction with the situation-based professional communication program was high, with a mean satisfaction score of 4.78±0.38. Conclusions To enhance empathy, communication skills, and professional self-concept among nursing college students, continuous development and application of diverse learning approaches based on clinical situations are necessary strategies.