Effects of a Computer-Based Community Health Nursing Virtual Reality Simulation on Postlicensure Nursing Students.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Simulation Technology
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) simulation is an emerging instructional method in postlicensure nursing education, particularly for community health.
• Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of VR simulation in this field.
• This study aimed to assess a novel computer-based VR simulation for community health nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based virtual reality simulation in community health nursing education.
• To measure the impact of VR simulation on postlicensure nursing students' knowledge and skills.
• To gather student feedback on the perceived benefits and helpfulness of the VR simulation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 67 postlicensure community health nursing students.
• Participants completed a pretest, engaged in a computer-based VR simulation, and then completed a posttest and evaluation.
• Data collection included quantitative (pre/posttest scores) and qualitative (evaluation feedback) measures.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in participant scores was observed from pretest to posttest.
• The majority of students perceived the VR simulation as effective for learning.
• Participants identified new knowledge and skills gained, most helpful materials, and benefits to nursing practice.

Conclusions:

• The computer-based community health nursing VR simulation proved effective in enhancing participants' knowledge.
• The simulation also successfully increased students' confidence in their learning.
• This VR approach represents a valuable tool for advancing community health nursing education.