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Cited by 1Simulation-Based Education in HealthcareNursing education and managementInnovations in Medical Education

Nursing students' experiences of in situ simulation training in leadership practice: a qualitative explorative study

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Eid, Hege Rasmussen, Raaen, Ann Helen, Grevskott, Torhild, Bjørgum, Marthe, Myrvold, Line, Øvereng, Ingunn, Lysfjord, Else Marie·2026·Journal of Healthcare Leadership
DOI 10.2147/jhl.s604428PMC PMC13262596
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Abstract

Purpose: Developing leadership and management skills among nursing students is increasingly recognized as essential for their future roles as professional nurses. Meanwhile, simulation-based learning has emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach in nursing education. This study aimed to explore third-year nursing students' experiences of in situ simulation training in leadership practice. Methods: A qualitative explorative design was used. Nursing students (n = 26) participated in focus group interviews after completing simulation training. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guides; content analysis was conducted to identify key themes. Results: Three themes emerged: prepared for reality, beneficial learning, and development of leadership competence. The themes showed how, by engaging in realistic scenarios, students gained deeper self-insight, strengthened their ability to connect theory with practice, and developed greater confidence in managing complex clinical situations. Conclusion: In situ simulation appears to be an effective approach for enhancing nursing students' leadership competence and professional development. The findings suggest that simulation supports the formation of professional identity and facilitates the transition from education to nursing practice.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Eid, H. R., Raaen, A. H., Grevskott, T., Bjørgum, M., Myrvold, L., Øvereng, I., & Lysfjord, E. M.
Affiliations
  • Nord University (NO)
  • Namsos Hospital (NO)
Corresponding author
Eid, Hege Rasmussen
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Healthcare Leadership
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2026-06
Volume
Volume 18
Pages
1-14
ISSN
1179-3201 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.2147/jhl.s604428
PMC
PMC13262596
OpenAlex
W7163882862
Cited by
1
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
4.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Healthcare Leadership (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Funders
Nord universitet
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Research and Theory › Nursing education and management
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Innovations in Medical Education
Keywords
in situ simulation, nursing students, nursing leadership, leadership competence, simulation-based training, nursing education, professional identity, transition to practice, student self-confidence, theory-practice integration

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