High Fidelity Simulation Exposure Effect on Nursing Students’ Clinical Competence Compared to Traditional Laboratory Applications

Background: High-fidelity simulation is a transformative tool in nursing education, enhancing students' clinical competence by bridging the gap between theory and practice in a safe and realistic environment. Aim of the study: Compare the effect of high-fidelity simulation exposure on nursing students’ clinical competence to traditional laboratory applications. Research design: Experimental research design was used. Setting: This study was conducted in Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University. Subject: Consists of second-year nursing students (n=200) selected via simple random sampling and divided into two groups: (100 students) were assigned to a high-fidelity simulation group and (100 students) to a traditional lab group. Tools: Consists of Personal data sheet, and Clinical Competence Observational Checklist. Results: High-fidelity simulation significantly enhanced nursing students' overall clinical competence, with more than three-quarters (77%) of them achieving a good score compared to nearly two-thirds (61%) in the traditional group. Conclusions: High-fidelity simulation (HFS) training resulted in significantly higher competence in the following procedures (Nasogastric tube insertion and Ostomy care) among nursing students compared to traditional lab training. Conversely, there was no significant difference between the two groups for (ECG obtaining and Nebulizer medication administration procedures). Additionally, gender was a highly significant factor influencing clinical competence. Recommendations: Integrating high-fidelity simulation into students’ clinical practice and Further research is warranted to investigate the influence of HFS on students critical thinking and problem solving.