Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Learning in Clinical Skill Development Among Student Nurses at Masvingo School of Nursing, 2026

Abstract

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is increasingly recognised as a valuable pedagogical approach in nursing education, yet empirical evidence on its effectiveness within Zimbabwean nursing schools remains scarce. This study evaluated the effectiveness of SBL in enhancing clinical competencies among student nurses at Masvingo School of Nursing. A mixed-methods quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was employed. Sixty student nurses participated in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) across four stations; blood pressure measurement, wound care, oral medication administration, and subcutaneous injection before and after SBL. Student perceptions were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics. Significant improvements in clinical competence were observed across all four stations following SBL. Mean total scores increased from 23.6 to 32.93 (blood pressure, t=6.270, p<0.000), 17.6 to 30.4 (wound care, t=9.586, p<0.000), 27.07 to 40.53 (oral medication, t=13.467, p<0.000), and 25.4 to 36.27 (subcutaneous injection, t=7.928, p<0.000). Every sub-skill assessed demonstrated statistically significant improvement. Student perceptions were overwhelmingly positive: 95% agreed SBL is important in nursing education, 93.3% endorsed its role in bridging theory-practice gaps, and 93.3% reported increased confidence. However, 31.7% expressed dissatisfaction with allocated SBL time, 63.3% were neutral about equipment adequacy, and only 48.3% disagreed that SBL made it safe to make mistakes especially for the practice done. SBL significantly improves clinical competence and is positively perceived by nursing students at Masvingo School of Nursing. Addressing curriculum time allocation, equipment adequacy, and psychological safety is essential for optimising SBL effectiveness in resource constrained settings.