Introduction: The growing development of technological resources has allowed simulations to be increasingly used in nursing education. Aim: assessing the scientific literature on the use of simulations in emergency nursing education. Methods: Integrative literature review conducted in databases such as LILACS, MEDLINE, ERIC, and CINAHL, including full-text articles published in English, Portuguese or in Spanish, between 2005 and 2015. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the current study selected six primary studies supporting three categories, namely: developing skills and assuredness to work in emergencies; types of simulation used in emergency training; and the impact of simulation on self-confidence and on satisfaction. Conclusions: Simulation is a satisfactory teaching methodology, which shows positive effects on the responses to emergencies, and it contributes to the participants' assuredness and to the improvement of their skills and self-confidence.