Background This study aimed to understand pre-licensure nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of using virtual simulation as an alternative to clinical practice during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea. Methods A total of 20 students from a 4-year baccalaureate nursing program participated in this descriptive qualitative study. Six focus group interviews using Zoom video communications were conducted with three to four participants to understand their experiences. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. Results The following three major themes emerged: (a) difficulties encountered in using virtual simulation, (b) benefits to student confidence and competence to provide patient-centered care, and (c) gaps in satisfaction due to needed improvements. Conclusion Virtual simulation could be beneficial for improving pre-licensure nursing students’ confidence and competence; however, improvements to virtual simulation realism and engagement are needed to maximize user satisfaction and performance.

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There is an urgent need to promote both the ability and environment for clinical nurses to actively participate in research. As the majority of nurses had little experience and low confidence in research and perceived many barriers, this promotion can be accomplished by enhancing their confidence in research through continuing education and by gradually eliminating the barriers to research.

This study was conducted to investigate sleep patterns in nursing students as measured by an automated wireless sleep tracker and self-reported sleep scales. Methods: Data were collected from October, 2011 to May, 2012. ZQ (a symbolic number that measures the quality and quantity of sleep) was calculated from the automated wireless sleep tracker. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Korean version, Sleep scale A, and sleep satisfaction were used as self-report sleep scales. Female nursing college students (n=37) were recruited by convenience sampling. Before going to bed, they were asked to put on a head-band type sleeping sensor and to move it the next morning. Every student slept 2∼4 nights with the sleep tracker. Data were collected for 86 (91.4%) of 94 nights' sleep. The students were also requested to fill in the PSQI-K, sleep scale A, and sleep satisfaction. Results: The only statistically significant correlation was between ZQ and sleep satisfaction (r= .869, p=.026). The biggest obstacle in using this device was putting on the head-band type sensor. Conclusion: Validity of the wireless sleep tracker was verified in part. The usefulness of this device in nursing research and practice was identified. Further evaluation need to be conducted with various populations.

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