Student Nurse Perceptions Regarding Learning Transfer Following High-Fidelity Simulation

Abstract Background Little is known about the effectiveness of students' transfer of simulation learning to "real-world" contexts. This study was an initial exploration of third-year nursing students' perceptions regarding the transfer of high-fidelity simulation learning to clinical practice. Method A series of semistructured focus group discussions were undertaken with final year undergraduate nursing students (n = 25). Result Three themes emerged from the analysis of data: But it's not the same on "real" clinical practice, Having opportunities to apply what we've learned, and Making better connections. Conclusions The findings highlight that transfer of simulation learning to practice should not be assumed, particularly when students' clinical placements are in settings that are dissimilar to the high-fidelity simulation scenarios they have experienced.