Clinical Competence and Satisfaction With Virtual Reality Versus Live Simulation

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) simulation is an attractive experiential learning option. However, the nursing literature is inconclusive as to whether the VR modality is as effective as other simulation methods. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare prelicensure nursing students’ clinical competency and satisfaction in VR versus live simulation. Methods: Data for this study were collected during undergraduate simulations. Clinical competency was measured using the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument ® (C-CEI), and student satisfaction was assessed through an open-ended survey. Results: Study results suggest that live simulation generally produced higher clinical competence scores compared with VR, although results varied by scenario. Student satisfaction with VR was generally positive and improved over time. Conclusions: Live and VR simulation have their own strengths, which can be strategically leveraged to meet the objectives of the simulations. Further studies will further clarify the true effect of simulation modality on clinical competence and satisfaction.