Virtual Reality for Heart and Lung Assessment Training: Nursing Students’ Motivation and Competency

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is proving to be an increasingly effective and immersive solution to the current challenges in nursing education, leading to its widespread integration into undergraduate curricula for developing skills and knowledge. This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality training on heart and lung assessment on nursing students’ learning motivation and competency. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was conducted involving 80 participants. Assessment data form and intrinsic motivation inventory tools were used to collect pertinent data. Results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference among the study participants' groups in terms of total scores of intrinsic motivation inventory: interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort, pressure/tension, perceived choice, and relatedness. Conclusions: This study found that using VR simulations can be an effective way to help nursing students build stronger heart and lung assessment skills. By practicing in a realistic, immersive environment, students are better prepared to provide high-quality care for patients with cardiac and respiratory conditions.