Exploring Nursing Students' Experiences of Simulation-Based Learning in Developing Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning and Clinical Judgment in the Management of Mental Health Patients: A Qualitative Case Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this case study was to explore how simulation-based learning experiences shape the development of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgment for associate degree nursing students when caring for patients with mental health needs. It addressed the need to narrow the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in clinical settings, enhancing the preparedness of novice nurses. By positioning nurse educators as facilitators of innovative strategies, this study advocates for the integration of simulation-based learning within nursing curricula. Roy’s adaptation model guided the study, and data were collected through observation of simulation sessions, semi-structured interviews, and reflective journaling. Reflexive thematic analysis yielded four themes: bridging the gap between theory and practice; the centrality of therapeutic communication for safe, patient-centered care; environmental scanning and risk assessment in psychiatric settings; and simulation as a reflective, confidence-building experience supporting professional identity formation. Findings suggested that simulation-based learning should be treated as an essential, standardized component of mental health nursing education to better prepare graduates for the complexity and ethical demands of contemporary mental health care.
Author: Bellew, Irene
Institution: Liberty University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7170113936