Empowering Newly Licensed Nurses: A Virtual Reality Approach to Boosting Self-Efficacy.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) presents a growing challenge for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses (NLRNs) due to an increasing experience-complexity gap.
• This gap results in reduced mentorship opportunities and diminished self-efficacy among novice nurses.
• NLRNs require effective training solutions to bridge this gap and prepare them for high-acuity care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) training program.
• To enhance the confidence and self-efficacy of NLRNs in performing high-acuity bedside procedures.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of IVR in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed to assess the IVR training program.
• Participants underwent immersive virtual reality training focused on critical care procedures.
• Outcomes measured included changes in self-efficacy and performance across various bedside procedures.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements (p < .05) in confidence were observed across all tested procedures following IVR training.
• Participants reported high levels of realism and engagement with the IVR modules.
• The training fostered an appreciation for interdisciplinary learning within the virtual environment.

Conclusions:

• Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is an effective and innovative teaching tool for nursing education.
• IVR training significantly boosts self-efficacy in NLRNs managing high-acuity procedures.
• This technology supports a smoother transition to practice for novice critical care nurses.