Experiences and Needs of Nursing Interns in Nurse-Patient Communication Simulation Training: A Qualitative Study

Background: Effective nurse-patient communication is essential for quality care, yet nursing interns often lack practical skills. Simulation-based education is promising, but qualitative research on interns' lived experiences remains limited. Purpose: This study explored the authentic experiences and needs of nursing interns during nurse-patient communication simulation training. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study with a phenomenological approach was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were held with 18 nursing interns from a Chinese university hospital between April and June 2024. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method. Results: Six themes emerged: (1) negative emotional experiences during participation; (2) recognition of the Communication Simulation Training model; (3) perceived deficiency in communication skills; (4) improvement in clinical communication competence; (5) implications for future clinical practice; and (6) expectations or unmet learning needs. Participants experienced significant anxiety yet valued the realistic learning environment, recognizing both their communication limitations and growth opportunities. Conclusions: Communication Simulation Training effectively addresses the theory-practice gap in communication skills development. Clinical educators should enhance simulation-based teaching through standardized training management and diversified strategies to improve nursing interns' communication competence and foster higher-quality patient care.