Exploring the Development of Nursing Clinical Judgment Among Students Using Virtual Reality Simulation
Karen T. Pardue, Kristen Holt, Dawn-Marie Dunbar, Nancy Baugh
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Virtual reality simulation (VRS) is an emerging pedagogy in nursing education. PURPOSE: The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was 2-fold: to determine nursing students' learning experiences when engaged in VRS, and to explore learners' problem-solving/clinical reasoning approach after participation in a VRS clinical scenario. This article reports student descriptions of clinical reasoning/clinical judgment when considering their VRS experience. METHODS: Qualitative description provided a methodological orientation for the study. Widely accepted frameworks for nursing clinical judgment provided a theoretical basis. RESULTS: Focus group participant narratives reveal evidence about nursing clinical judgment when applied to established descriptions and phases. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that VRS experiences promote development of nursing clinical judgment among students.