From Prompt to Practice: Development and Implementation of Generative AI-Based Oncology Emergency Nursing Simulation Scenarios for Nursing Students
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the experiences of nursing students developing and implementing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)-based oncology emergency nursing simulation scenarios. Method: This qualitative content analysis included 23 senior nursing students in the Republic of Korea. Participants worked in teams to develop oncology emergency nursing simulation scenarios using ChatGPT, participated in simulation practice, and completed reflective journals after the program. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Four themes and twelve categories were identified: “AI-Based Scaffolding for Structuring Clinical Situations,” “Verification of AI-Generated Information and Knowledge Reconstruction,” “Enhancement of Clinical Reasoning and Collaborative Problem-Solving Competencies,” and “Professional Identity Formation and Preparation for Future Practice.” Participants described GenAI as a cognitive scaffolding tool that helped structure complex clinical situations, identify knowledge gaps, critically evaluate AI-generated information, and integrate fragmented knowledge. The program also enhanced clinical reasoning, SBAR-based communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Conclusion: GenAI-based oncology emergency nursing scenario development and simulation may be an effective educational strategy for promoting self-directed learning, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and practice readiness among nursing students. GenAI can serve as an educational scaffolding tool that supports active knowledge construction and reflective thinking rather than replacing clinical reasoning.