Effects of NICU Scenario-Based Simulation on Nursing Students' Perceived Stress, Satisfaction, Self-Confidence, and Learning: A Mixed-Methods Study

NCT07653308 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: E-59394181-100-137319
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 18
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This mixed-methods study examines the effects of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) scenario-based simulation training on third-year nursing students' perceived stress, learning satisfaction, self-confidence, and simulation-based learning experiences. All eligible participants will receive a high-fidelity simulation session involving a NICU scenario that includes therapeutic communication with a postpartum mother, neonatal emergency intervention, and support for mother-infant interaction. The simulation protocol consists of prebriefing (3 minutes), environmental orientation (3 minutes), scenario-based simulation (10 minutes), and debriefing using the PEARLS model (30 minutes). Quantitative data will be collected before and after the simulation using validated scales. Qualitative data will be gathered through semi-structured focus group interviews following the simulation. The study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of NICU simulation-based education in nursing training.

Conditions

Nursing Education; Simulation Based Learning; Stress, Psychological; Nursing Students; Neonatal Intensive Care

Keywords

neonatal intensive care simulation; nursing students; perceived stress; learning satisfaction; self-confidence; simulation-based learning; PEARLS debriefing; mixed methods; NICU nursing education; focus group

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Perceived Stress Scale for Nursing Students Score

  Pre- and post-simulation total scores on the Perceived Stress Scale for Nursing Students measuring students' perceived stress levels during clinical training

  Baseline (before simulation) and immediately after debriefing

• Simulation-Based Learning Evaluation Scale Score

  Post-simulation total score on the Simulation-Based Learning Evaluation Scale measuring nursing process, patient safety, professional knowledge, communication, and reflective behavior

  Immediately after debriefing

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale Score

  Immediately after debriefing

• Simulation Experience - Qualitative Findings

  Immediately after debriefing

Study Arms (1)

NICU Simulation Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Third-year nursing students who received a high-fidelity NICU scenario-based simulation training including prebriefing, simulation, and PEARLS-based debriefing phases, followed by semi-structured focus group interviews.

Behavioral: NICU Scenario-Based Simulation Training

Interventions

NICU Scenario-Based Simulation Training BEHAVIORAL

A structured high-fidelity simulation protocol consisting of prebriefing (3 min), environmental orientation (3 min), NICU scenario-based simulation (10 min), and PEARLS model debriefing (30 min). The scenario includes therapeutic communication with a postpartum mother, neonatal emergency intervention, and support for mother-infant interaction and breastfeeding initiation.

NICU Simulation Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Third-year undergraduate nursing students at Atılım University Faculty of Health Sciences
• Voluntarily willing to participate and providing written informed consent
• Have not yet completed the Child Health and Diseases (NURS302) course

You may not qualify if:

• Withdrawal from the study at any stage
• Incomplete completion of data collection forms

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Atılım University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Atılım University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Simulation Laboratory

Ankara, 06830, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (28)

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Related Links

• Atilim University web page

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress, Psychological

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Study Officials

• Didem Yüksel, PhD

  Atılım University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 12, 2026
• First Posted: June 17, 2026
• Study Start: May 18, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 12, 2026
• Study Completion: June 12, 2026
• Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)