Virtual simulation education of students from specialty of “Nursing care”

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) simulation training has emerged as a promising educational tool in nursing, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. This summary discusses the implementation and outcomes of a pilot training initiative using VR glasses at the Medical Simulation Training Center of Medical University Plovdiv. Aim: The aim of the pilot training was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR simulation training in nursing education and its impact on student and teacher perceptions, empathy development, and preparedness for patient care. Material and methods: Thirty-four participants, including nursing students and teachers, underwent VR simulation training following practical instruction with models. Qualitative analysis was conducted to assess participants’ reactions, empathy levels, and perceptions of the training. Results: Participants expressed strong interest in VR simulation training, noting its realism and impact. Students demonstrated heightened empathy towards virtual patients, while teachers exhibited a more professional response. Both groups emphasized the benefits of VR simulation for patient care and recommended greater autonomy and interactivity in virtual scenarios. Conclusions: VR simulation training with VR glasses offers a valuable educational approach in nursing, fostering active learning, empathy development, and clinical competence.