Clinical competence and self-efficacy of Lebanese and Saudi nursing students participating in simulation-based learning in nursing education

Background: Simulation-based learning is a modern educational approach that allows students to recognize and practice what they've learned. Self-efficacy and perceived clinical competence allow nursing students to attain higher levels of performance and consequently higher quality of rendered care. Methods: This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design recruiting 302 Lebanese and Saudi senior nursing students. Results: The results have displayed moderately high levels of self-efficacy and perceived clinical competence among students who took part in simulation-based learning, where Saudi students presented higher perceived competence. A significant correlation was found between the variables where self-efficacy was a predictor of perceived clinical competence. Conclusions: Lebanese and Saudi nursing seniors students who took part in simulation-based learning experiences had notable scores of self-efficacy and clinical competence.

Automated summary

Simulation-based learning helps nursing students improve their self-efficacy and perceived clinical competence. The study results indicate that Lebanese and Saudi students participating in simulation-based learning exhibited higher levels of self-efficacy and clinical competence.