Using virtual simulation to develop clinical judgment in nursing education

Virtual simulation is an emerging pedagogy in nursing education. Knowledge about how virtual simulation might support the development of clinical judgment skills in nursing education is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how nursing students understand and apply virtual simulation software to develop clinical judgment. In 2018, an exploratory study was conducted, and data were analysed using deductive content analysis. The findings showed that working with virtual simulation software triggered engagement and use of the four predetermined categories: noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting from Tanner’s Clinical Judgment Model. The findings also identified practical and technical challenges of the software. Virtual simulation software appears valuable for developing clinical judgment in nursing education. However, faculty members should be aware of practical and technical challenges, such as using this software in foreign languages. The findings of this study indicate that virtual simulation software may support nursing students’ development of clinical judgment.