Self-Confidence among nursing students following pediatric health care simulation at Nam Dinh University of Nursing

Objectives: To describe self-confidence among nursing students after pediatric health care simulation practice at Nam Dinh University of Nursing in 2025 and identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Preclinical Practice Center of Nam Dinh University of Nursing from March to September 2025. A total of 236 nursing students enrolled in the Pediatric Health Care course were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the 8-item Self-Confidence in Learning scale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91). Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression analysis were applied. Results: The mean age of participants was 25 ± 5.8 years; 86% were female and 61% were full-time undergraduate students. Most students had Ordinary to Good academic performance classification, and 56.8% had no prior experience with simulation or pediatric patient care. The mean self-confidence score after simulation was high (4.32 ± 0.41). The regression model demonstrated good fit (R² = 0.67; p < 0.05). Six factors were significantly associated with self-confidence, with pre-simulation briefing showing the strongest effect (β = 0.409). Conclusions: Simulation-based education should be more widely integrated into nursing curricula, particularly in pediatric clinical education.