Implementing Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation to Improve Competency and Confidence of Newly Licensed Registered Nurses

Poster presented June 4, 2026, at the Nursing Knowledge Big Data Science Conference held in Minneapolis.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulation addresses the experience–complexity gap for newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs).
2. Evaluate the impact of IVR-based simulation on clinical competency and professional confidence within a nurse residency program.
3. Discuss implications of IVR simulation for scalable clinical education.

Introduction:  Newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) frequently enter practice underprepared for the acuity and complexity of modern healthcare environments, a phenomenon known as the experience–complexity gap. This gap is especially pronounced in academic medical centers caring for high-acuity patient populations. Traditional simulation methods are resource intensive and limit opportunities for repetition and personalized feedback, necessitating more flexible and scalable training approaches.

Full abstract available in the conference proceedings, available online and as a downloadable PDF.  See link below.