Effects of a Computer-Based Community Health Nursing Virtual Reality Simulation on Postlicensure Nursing Students.

Abstract

Virtual reality simulation in postlicensure nursing education, including community health, is an emerging instructional approach, and more research is needed on its effectiveness. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative, computer-based community health nursing virtual reality simulation among postlicensure nursing students. This mixed methods study consisted of 67 postlicensure community health nursing students who completed a pretest, computer-based virtual reality simulation, and a posttest and evaluation. The majority of participant scores increased from pretest to posttest, and most participants agreed that the computer-based virtual reality simulation was effective; new knowledge and skills learned, the material that was found to be most helpful, and benefits to nursing practice were identified. This community health nursing computer-based virtual reality simulation was effective at increasing participants' knowledge and confidence with learning. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(3):109-116.].