In nursing simulation, immersion is crucial for learner engagement and performance, correlated with academic success in immersive environments.
Red flags for non-immersive VR simulations include menu navigation overload, lack of psychological safety for mistakes, and technical focus over patient care.
Successful VR platforms prioritize natural interactions, feedback mechanisms for errors, and learner reflection on clinical decisions.
Key indicators of poor immersion are scripted scenarios, lack of learner autonomy, and surface-level learning without understanding.
Effective VR systems like UbiSim enable learners to think and act like nurses, fostering confidence and competence for real-world healthcare settings.
Students should come out of VR simulations discussing clinical scenarios, not technical aspects, to ensure deep learning and application of nursing skills.
The goal of VR nursing simulations should be to enhance understanding of patient care, build clinical judgment, and prepare learners for real clinical challenges.
Feedback and insights from educators and students emphasize the role of VR in boosting learner preparedness, confidence, and competence in nursing practice.
True immersion in VR simulators leads to lasting learning outcomes, improved performance in clinical settings, and the development of critical nursing skills.