Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the use of virtual simulations to improve knowledge, performance, self-efficacy, satisfaction and confidence of nursing students. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design with 34 nursing students in one university. All the participants were forth grade students and received education on topics related to medical-surgical nursing. The experimental group participated in virtual and high-fidelity simulations. The control group participated in high-fidelity simulation. Collected data were analyzed using Chi-square, t-test and independent t-test using the WIN SPSS 23.0 program. Results: The experimental group who had participated in the virtual simulation education indicated significantly higher performance scores (t=-6.166, p=<.000) and confidence levels (t=-2.284, p=.031) as compared to the control group who had participated in traditional high-fidelity education for acute heart disease patients, However, the differences in knowledge (t=-.808, p=.425), education satisfaction (t=-.425, p=.653), and self-efficacy (t=-1.592, p=.121) were not significant differences. Conclusion: The results indicate that virtual simulation education is an effective learning method to improve nursing performance and confidence. Further study is needed to identify the effects of various clinical situations of virtual simulation-based care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between emotional intelligence, interpersonal competence, and caring efficacy in nursing students. Method: Data were collected from 227 junior and senior nursing students in May 2017. The study adopted a cross-sectional design. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Collected data were analyzed by mean, standard deviation, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, using SPSS 23.0. Results: Study results revealed positive correlations between emotional intelligence and interpersonal competence (r=.531, p<.001), interpersonal competence and caring efficacy (r=.556, p<.001), emotional intelligence and caring efficacy (r=.570, p<.001). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that caring efficacy has a positive correlation with emotional intelligence and interpersonal competence. Therefore, it is important for nursing education programs to facilitate the students’emotional intelligence and interpersonal competence for achieving better results in terms of caring efficacy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of pre-briefing in simulation-based learning on nursing students’ satisfaction with simulation. Method: A quasi-experimental post-test study was applied with 174 senior nursing students at a private university in South Korea. The experimental group (n=88) underwent a pre-briefing program, whereas the control group (n=86) did not. During pre-briefing, students had time to study simulation scenarios, discuss nursing processes related to simulation scenarios, and experience a simulation environment before simulation practice. Satisfaction scores were measured using the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience scale(SSE). Results: The mean scores in satisfaction with simulation were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-4.23, p<.001). Conclusion: This study emphasizes that pre-briefing in simulation-based learning is important in increasing students’ satisfaction and should be included in the planning of simulation-based learning programs.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore same-age-tutoring experiences for fundamental nursing practice in peer learners. Method: Content analysis was performed on the collected data. Participants were 14 nursing students. Data were collected from September 19, 2018 to November 2, 2018. Results: Three theme clusters were extracted as follows: 1) autonomous learning environment 2) meeting learning needs 3) motivation to learn. Conclusion: The results can contribute to understanding peer learners’ same-age-tutoring education experiences. Further, they can provide foundational data for establishing same-age tutoring education strategies to improve nursing skills and knowledge, helping nursing students adapt to clinical practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data to interview programs for assisting male college students adjust to clinical practice by understanding the meaning of stress in such a practice. Method: Individual in-depth interviews using open-ended questions were conducted with students. Data were collected in August 2018, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Results: The categories of practical experiences in the interview programs for mediating gender conflicts in male nursing students were clearly recognized as, “experiencing limits of practice on female patients,” “a sense of burden representing practical students,” and “forcing of manhood.” The essential themes of participants' experiences in simulation programs included: “Prejudice and unfairness in having a female-related job,” “Women’s hospital practice is limited,”-“Attention is focused on themsince they are ‘minorities’,” “Uncomfortable interpersonal relations in clinical practice,” “The patience of a discriminative perception that physical labor should be mobilized, requiring forceful leadership,” “Live in a way that society prefers.” Conclusion: This study attempted to understand the meaning and nature of experiencing stress among male college students in clinical practice by applying Colaizzi’s method of analysis in phenomenology nursing research. In order to assist participants understand women's mainstream clinical practice, preparing separate programs is important.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of simulation-based training applying situation-background-assessment-recommendation on self- efficacy and communication skills in new nurses. Method: This study applied a one group pretest-posttest design, with 88 new nurses in a general hospital in S city, Korea. Data were collected from March to November 2017. The participants completed their simulation education program in 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using paired t-test with SPSS program. Results: After SBAR simulation education, self- efficacy (t=-2.40, p=.014) and communication skills (t=-5.24, p<.001) significantly improved. Conclusion: This suggests that simulation-based training applying SBAR, improved self- efficacy and communication skills in new nurses.