ObjectiveThis study explores the impact of simulation-based training on nursing students' readiness to respond to patient deterioration in clinical practice. BackgroundWith limited in-hospital training opportunities, nursing educators seek alternative strategies to teach clinical skills. Simulation-based training offers a controlled environment for skill development and refinement. DesignA narrative research design was used to examine the experiences of senior undergraduate nursing students (n = 12) at a private university in the Western United States. MethodsData were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom. ResultsThe study identified three key themes: the application of simulation experiences to real-world settings, the aspects of simulation training valued by students and the role of simulation in emotional regulation and coping. The findings highlight the importance of simulation training in preparing nursing students for clinical emergencies. ConclusionsSimulation training enhances clinical judgment and emotional resilience in nursing students, equipping them to handle emergent patient care. Integrating simulation into nursing curricula prepares students for clinical roles and nurse educators can enhance this by creating realistic clinical challenges in simulations.