Background:
Virtual reality simulation in postlicensure nursing education, including community health, is an emerging instructional approach, and more research is needed on its effectiveness. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative, computer-based community health nursing virtual reality simulation among postlicensure nursing students.
Method:
This mixed methods study consisted of 67 postlicensure community health nursing students who completed a pretest, computer-based virtual reality simulation, and a posttest and evaluation.
Results:
The majority of participant scores increased from pretest to posttest, and most participants agreed that the computer-based virtual reality simulation was effective; new knowledge and skills learned, the material that was found to be most helpful, and benefits to nursing practice were identified.
Conclusion:
This community health nursing computer-based virtual reality simulation was effective at increasing participants' knowledge and confidence with learning.
[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2023;54(3):109–116.]
Public health departments exemplify interprofessional collaboration. Nursing and public health education students are required to complete practicum hours or an internship respectively in community health, yet placements at health departments are limited and competitive. This study evaluated the effects of an interprofessional education intervention on community health nursing and health education students’ current interprofessional awareness and understanding, and intent to collaborate interprofessionally. Results showed that the majority of participants felt that their interprofessional awareness, understanding, and intent to collaborate increased. This intervention helped bring an example of the health department experience to students and demonstrate its interprofessional nature.
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