Stress of nursing students in clinical simulation: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the perception of stressors by nursing students before and after a high-fidelity clinical simulation or conventional laboratory practice class. METHOD: This is a randomized clinical trial conducted with 52 nursing students. Both groups had theoretical classes about cardiothoracic physical examination, followed by practice class in skill laboratory. In addition, the experimental group took part in a high-fidelity simulation scenario. Stressors were evaluated before and after class, with the application of KEZKAK questionnaire. RESULTS: The experimental group was significantly more worried about six factors related to lack of competence and to interpersonal relationships (p < 0.05), while the control group was significantly more worried about being in contact with suffering (p = 0.0315). CONCLUSION: The simulation affects students' perception of stressors and promotes their self-evaluation and critical thinking regarding the responsibility that comes with their learning.