Rubrics for assessing clinical competencies in simulation-based nursing education: An integrative review

Background Evaluation rubrics are essential for systematizing and measuring clinical competency progression in nursing simulation. Aim To identify the rubrics used to assess clinical competencies and skills in nursing simulation. Method An integrative review was conducted across nine databases in August 2025. Study selection was double-blind. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Quality Assessment Instrument. Results Initially, 905 studies were identified, and 41 comprised the final sample. Thirteen different rubrics were found, with a prevalence of studies using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric. Most studies had moderate methodological quality. The evidence shows that the use of rubrics favors clinical judgment, self-confidence, and the structuring of formative feedback. Conclusion Rubrics are gaining pedagogical maturity in simulation, consolidating themselves as essential tools for competency-based nursing curricula. However, the lack of psychometric validation in specific instruments and the need for tools for new digital modalities represent the main challenges for the area.