Evaluation of Anxiety and Self-Confidence Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students Post Pandemic Simulation Exercise

Background: Simulation-based exercises enhance self-confidence, skills, and knowledge acquisition in nursing education. This study explored clinical decision making (CDM) skills based on students' anxiety and self-confidence. Methods: This mixed-methods study used a 27-item self-administered questionnaire which assessed participants' overall self-confidence and anxiety ratings on CDM pre-and post-simulation, as well as other three dimensions: "Using resources to gather information and listening fully," "Using information to see the big picture," and "Knowing and acting." Results: Participants' self-confidence increased and their anxiety levels decreased following the simulation exercise, both overall and in terms of the threeassessed subscales. All pre-and post-simulation differences were statistically significant and featured moderate effect sizes. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the value of incorporating simulation as an effective teaching strategy to decrease anxiety and improve self-confidence in preparing future healthcare professionals to respond appropriately during a pandemic. Cite this article: Gandhi, S., Glaman, R., Yeager, J., & Smith, M. (2021, Month). Evaluation of Anxiety and Self-Confidence Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students Post Pandemic Simulation Exercise. Clinical Simulation in Nursing , 56, 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2021.04.007 . (c) 2021 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.