Enhancing Nursing Students' Clinical Confidence and Practice Through Simulated Vaping Experiences

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vaping continues to increase despite known negative health effects. Nurses have the responsibility to address this public health crisis; however, a knowledge gap exists in their formal education. METHOD: A quasiexperimental study evaluated the use of a simulated vaping experience to improve baccalaureate nursing students' outcomes related to vaping concepts. Students participated in a comprehensive simulated experience focusing on vaping during their Adult Nursing course. Vaping perceptions, behaviors, self-efficacy, and integration into clinical experiences were assessed in students after the simulation and compared with students who did not participate in the simulation. RESULTS: A significant increase in self-efficacy related to vaping interventions was found in students who participated in the simulated experience compared with students in the control group. CONCLUSION: Simulation is a viable option for increasing self-efficacy and knowledge related to vaping concepts and can contribute to application into practice.