Introduction Full-scale simulation (FSS) has been the most commonly used simulation modality in nursing education due to its applicability to enhance both technical and non-technical skills. However, being excessively costly and other factors such as technophobia and lack of trained staff and support make FSS less accessible, especially for nursing education. Therefore, a novel mental simulation that is interactive and supported by visual elements can substitute for FSS, at least for some of the skills, such as clinical decision-making. Reviews comparing the effectiveness of FSS and mental simulation on decision-making skills in nursing students are lacking. Further knowledge on the effectiveness of these two modalities on decision-making skills for nursing students is needed to inform the nursing education curriculum and to decide between the two modalities. This scoping review aims to explore the effect of FSS and mental simulation on the decision-making skills of nursing students. Method The methodological framework for scoping review will be followed for this scoping review. Scopus, EBSCOhost the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE and for the grey literature ERIC and BASE will be searched for related studies. The search will be limited to January 2008 and November 2022 (up-to-date) and English. A detailed search strategy was developed with an experienced research information manager and this strategy will be adapted to each database. A single screening will be performed by an author who will screen all abstracts and titles and full-text publications. After the study selection step of the framework, the data from the included studies will be charted using a data extraction form. The data will be synthesised by comparing the effect of FSS and mental simulation on decision-making skills. Discussion A synopsis of the publication on FSS and mental simulation on nurse students’ decision-making skills will be useful for stakeholders when choosing between two modalities to deliver decision-making skills to nursing students, and also help to inform the nursing education and simulation practice.

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