Causes of Student Anxiety during Simulation: What the Literature Says

Nursing student anxiety may be evident during the simulation experience as students experience heightened anxiety when “onstage” in a scenario. Identified through a review of the literature, patterns of student anxiety emerge, mediated by learning style, concerns that are specific to simulation and being observed. Using the cognitive interference theory model, performance and anxiety are addressed. The anxiety level associated with learning is discussed, followed by literature-based recommendations on ways anxiety can be moderated to enhance learning.