Evaluation of vSIM for Nursing™: A Trial of Innovation

• vSim for Nursing™ employs a Web-based platform to simulate nursing scenarios whereby students have the opportunity to interact with patients and receive direct feedback on their performance.
• Nearly all students (98%) recommended the virtual simulation for future use.
• Virtual simulation has a wide range of applications and warrants further exploration.

BackgroundVirtual simulation is an emerging technology that has been suggested as an effective pedagogical approach to teaching various skills in nursing education. The purpose of this study was to report students' experience with vSim for Nursing™.MethodThis study used a descriptive, mixed-methods design with 54 accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. Students performed in scenarios with a patient who had pneumonia and developed anaphylaxis and a patient who developed cardiac arrest requiring defibrillation. Students were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the experience.ResultsMost students reported that the product was easy to use (20% strongly agree, 78% agree). Nearly, all students recommended the virtual simulation for future use (98%). Several students indicated frustration with real-time features such as handwashing and the inability to multitask.ConclusionsMost students suggested that the virtual simulation was a positive experience. However, this innovative pedagogy warrants more stringent investigation.