(26) Implementing Immersive Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: Insights from the Student Perspective on IVR Orientation, Psychological Safety, and Learning

Abstract : As immersive virtual reality (IVR) becomes vital to nursing education, understanding the student experience is crucial for successful IVR implementation. Although IVR aligns with the four phases of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, distinguishing IVR from traditional manikin-based simulation is necessary to adapt current Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice (INACSL Standards Committee, 2021). This session will share findings from a qualitative study exploring students’ perspectives on integrating IVR into their coursework, focusing on orientation, psychological safety, and IVR’s impact on learning outcomes.

Method
Following Institutional Review Board approval at 3 baccalaureate programs, faculty integrated five acute care multi-patient IVR scenarios into a senior-level course. Each student (n=379) completed the scenarios independently using a head-mounted display. Participation in the learning activities, along with completion of quantitative and qualitative surveys, was a required component of their course. Students were recruited to allow inclusion of their de-identified data in the project dataset. This presentation highlights the thematic analysis of the qualitative responses.

Results
Analysis of the qualitative data focused on students’ comparisons of their learning using immersive IVR and traditional simulation. Analysis yielded five themes: autonomy and independent decision-making, reduced pressure and safe environment, navigation and technical limitations, learning benefits in specific areas, room for improvement of the technology.

Implications
Students provided positive feedback on IVR, recognizing its distinct learning experiences compared to traditional simulation. To achieve similar outcomes, attendees will learn strategies to prepare students for IVR, cultivate psychological safety, and foster an inclusive environment for IVR simulation.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: This presentation will equip educators with the essential knowledge to enhance immersive virtual reality (IVR) instructional strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding student experiences for effective implementation. Attendees will gain a deeper comprehension of how IVR differs from traditional simulation methods, explore key factors of orientation to IVR, psychological safety, and the impact of IVR on student learning outcomes.