VR and traditional simulation complement each other in nursing education: a qualitative study

Nursing students reported VR provides low-anxiety environmental immersion for cognitive rehearsal, while traditional simulation develops interpersonal skills, dynamic decision-making, and empathy. A sequential integrated pathway (VR rehearsal→traditional scenario practice→guided…

• Design: Qualitative study of undergraduate nursing students (exact number not reported in source) guided by Kolb's experiential learning theory.
• Four themes emerged: complementary immersion (environmental vs relational), competence building (cognitive frameworks in VR vs clinical skills in traditional simulation), distinct emotional experiences (low-anxiety vs empathy-driven), and an optimal integrated teaching pathway.
• Limitation: Qualitative, single-setting design; transferability and quantitative impact on learning outcomes not assessed.

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