Other Titles

Rapid Presentation Round

Abstract

Background: Nursing programs face significant challenges in securing clinical placements for students (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). Innovative technologies are transforming nursing education by providing realistic, immersive, and flexible learning experiences, bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice. Embracing the latest trends in simulation is crucial for creating an impactful educational environment and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration (Cheng, 2024).

Objective: This review aims to evaluate recent innovations in simulation-based learning (SBL) in nursing education and their impact on nursing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence. It seeks to identify how innovative technologies are being utilized to overcome clinical placement challenges, bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, and improve educational outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Keywords included "innovative technologies," "nursing education,” “clinical placements," “simulation-based learning,” and "bridging theory and practice." The search focused on peer-reviewed articles published in the last five years. Selected studies were analyzed to assess the impact of simulation and technology on nursing education.

Results: The review identified several innovative technologies, including high-fidelity simulation, virtual reality (VR), standardized patients, and artificial intelligence (AI), that are transforming nursing education. These technologies provide realistic and immersive learning experiences, significantly enhancing nursing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence. The integration of SBL has effectively bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, preparing students for the demands of the healthcare environment despite clinical placement challenges.

Conclusion: The review underscores the critical role of SBL in addressing clinical placement challenges in nursing education. By leveraging innovative technologies, nursing programs can provide realistic and immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. These advancements enhance students' knowledge, skills, and confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the healthcare environment. Staying updated with the latest simulation trends is essential for the continued effectiveness of nursing education.

Notes

Reference list included in attached slide deck.

Description

Nursing programs face challenges in securing clinical placements for students. Simulation-based learning (SBL) and innovative technologies like high-fidelity simulation, virtual reality (VR), standardized patients, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming nursing education. These tools enhance nursing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Staying updated with the latest simulation trends is essential for effective nursing education.

Author Details

Malliga Jambulingam PhD, MSN, RN and Raquel Bicknell DNP, RN - NOVA Southeastern University, Florida

Sigma Membership

Upsilon Chi

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Literature Review

Research Approach

Other

Keywords:

Simulation, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Transition to Practice, Onboarding, Nursing Education, Emerging Technologies, Theory and Clinical Practice Gap

Conference Name

48th Biennial Convention

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2025-11-26

Click on the above link to access the slide deck.

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Innovative Nursing Education: Bridging Theory and Practice with Simulation-Based Learning

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Background: Nursing programs face significant challenges in securing clinical placements for students (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). Innovative technologies are transforming nursing education by providing realistic, immersive, and flexible learning experiences, bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice. Embracing the latest trends in simulation is crucial for creating an impactful educational environment and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration (Cheng, 2024).

Objective: This review aims to evaluate recent innovations in simulation-based learning (SBL) in nursing education and their impact on nursing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence. It seeks to identify how innovative technologies are being utilized to overcome clinical placement challenges, bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, and improve educational outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Keywords included "innovative technologies," "nursing education,” “clinical placements," “simulation-based learning,” and "bridging theory and practice." The search focused on peer-reviewed articles published in the last five years. Selected studies were analyzed to assess the impact of simulation and technology on nursing education.

Results: The review identified several innovative technologies, including high-fidelity simulation, virtual reality (VR), standardized patients, and artificial intelligence (AI), that are transforming nursing education. These technologies provide realistic and immersive learning experiences, significantly enhancing nursing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence. The integration of SBL has effectively bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, preparing students for the demands of the healthcare environment despite clinical placement challenges.

Conclusion: The review underscores the critical role of SBL in addressing clinical placement challenges in nursing education. By leveraging innovative technologies, nursing programs can provide realistic and immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. These advancements enhance students' knowledge, skills, and confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the healthcare environment. Staying updated with the latest simulation trends is essential for the continued effectiveness of nursing education.