Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2026, 17(2):2438-2445 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0012

Undergraduate nursing students’ reflections on simulation-based learning: a qualitative study

Jakob Renko, Helena Skočir, Patrik Pucer, Igor Karnjuš
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Slovenia

Aim: To gain a deeper understanding of undergraduate nursing students’ perspectives on simulation-based learning (SBL) conducted after clinical placements, with attention to perceived benefits, learning experiences, and suggested improvements.

Design: An exploratory qualitative approach was employed. Following an SBL experience, an analysis of students’ written reflections was conducted.

Methods: Written reflections of 146 second-year nursing students were analyzed after they had participated in high-fidelity simulations followed by a structured debriefing. The students’ responses were examined using conventional content analysis.

Results: Three themes emerged: perceived benefits, experiential aspects, and suggestions for improvement. Students reported improved self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. They appreciated the link between theory and practice, as well as the opportunity to practice rare but essential cases. As the scenarios progressed, their emotions shifted from anxiety to confidence, emphasizing the role of debriefing in reflection and learning. Students suggested allocating more time to simulations, diversifying the scenarios, and partially replacing clinical placements with SBL.

Conclusion: Post-clinical simulations provide an effective bridge between theory and practice, enhancing students’ technical, non-technical, and reflective skills, while elevating their professional preparedness. Strategic integration of SBL before and after clinical placement could strengthen curricula, ensure exposure to essential clinical scenarios, and enhance patient safety.

Keywords: high-fidelity simulation, non-technical skills, nursing education, reflective learning, simulation-based learning

Received: September 16, 2025; Revised: March 11, 2026; Accepted: May 14, 2026; Published: June 5, 2026  Show citation

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Renko J, Skočir H, Pucer P, Karnjuš I. Undergraduate nursing students’ reflections on simulation-based learning: a qualitative study. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2026;17(2):2438-2445. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0012.
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