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Assessing VR Disaster Simulation Impact on Readiness of Generation Z Nursing Students
Leslie Rippon1, Kristi J Stinson2
1Athletic Training, https://ror.org/007tn5k56Seton Hall University, Nutley, NJ, USA.
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) mass disaster simulations significantly improved senior nursing students' emergency response skills and readiness. This training modality effectively prepares Generation Z learners for mass casualty incidents.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Emergency Preparedness
- Virtual Reality Simulation
Background:
- Traditional emergency preparedness training may not fully engage Generation Z learners.
- There is a need for innovative educational modalities to enhance nursing students' disaster response skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess senior nursing students' performance in a VR mass disaster triage simulation.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of VR as an educational tool for emergency preparedness.
- To measure students' perceived readiness for mass disaster response.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of BSN students.
- Utilized a fully immersive VR simulation incorporating START triage and TeamSTEPPS™ principles.
- Collected data via post-experience surveys using validated PACT instruments and custom measures from 64 students.
Main Results:
- Students successfully applied START triage methods and TeamSTEPPS™ domains.
- Significant increases in perceived knowledge (64.3%), attitude toward training importance (76.8%), and ability to respond (66.9%) were reported.
- Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed significant improvements in understanding all TeamSTEPPS™ concepts (P <.05).
Conclusions:
- VR simulation effectively enhanced nursing students' perceived readiness for mass disaster response.
- The study supports the integration of VR simulation into nursing curricula for Generation Z.
- VR provides a valuable platform for practicing emergency skills in a safe, immersive environment.
