Influence of a clinical simulation elective on baccalaureate nursing student clinical confidence

The use of simulation in nursing is growing; however, its effect on students is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether a high-fidelity simulation course significantly changes students' level of confidence, compared with a traditional clinical experience. The pilot study was a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design that compared group confidence scores at the beginning and end of the semester. The sample included 24 baccalaureate nursing students. Although the intervention group began significantly less confident in all four dimensions (p = 0.04 to 0.00), the intervention group had significant increases in confidence compared with the control group in all four dimensions: recognizing signs and symptoms (p = 0.00), assessing patient condition (p = 0.00), ability to intervene (p = 0.00), and evaluation of patients (p = 0.00). Clinical simulation experiences can increase student self-confidence. Further research is needed to investigate the most beneficial aspects of simulation.