Nursing Students’ Experiences of in situ Simulation Training in Leadership Practice: A Qualitative Explorative Study

Hege Rasmussen Eid,1 Ann Helen Raaen,2,* Torhild Grevskott,2,* Marthe Bjørgum,3,* Line Merete Myrvold,4,* Ingunn Almli Øvereng,4,* Else Marie Lysfjord1 1Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Namsos, Norway; 2Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Levanger, Norway; 3Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway; 4Nord-Trøndelag Health Trust, Namsos Hospital, Namsos, Norway*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hege Rasmussen Eid, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Postbox 474, Namsos, 7801, Norway, Email [email protected]: Developing leadership and management skills among nursing students is increasingly recognized as essential for their future roles as professional nurses. Meanwhile, simulation-based learning has emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach in nursing education. This study aimed to explore third-year nursing students’ experiences of in situ simulation training in leadership practice.Methods: A qualitative explorative design was used. Nursing students (n = 26) participated in focus group interviews after completing simulation training. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guides; content analysis was conducted to identify key themes.Results: Three themes emerged: prepared for reality, beneficial learning, and development of leadership competence. The themes showed how, by engaging in realistic scenarios, students gained deeper self-insight, strengthened their ability to connect theory with practice, and developed greater confidence in managing complex clinical situations.Conclusion: In situ simulation appears to be an effective approach for enhancing nursing students’ leadership competence and professional development. The findings suggest that simulation supports the formation of professional identity and facilitates the transition from education to nursing practice.Keywords: nursing leadership, simulation, clinical placement, nursing students