Effects of Virtual Reality–Based Nursing Education on Competency Development in Adult Nursing : A Review of Domestic Research Trends

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze domestic research trends on virtual reality (VR)-based nursing education and to examine its educational effects on competency development in adult nursing. Methods: A descriptive literature review was conducted on studies published in Korean academic journals between January 2020 and December 2025. Relevant articles were identified through RISS, KISS, DBpia, and Korea Citation Index databases. Studies applying VR, augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), or metaverse-based education to nursing students, newly graduated nurses, or clinical nurses in adult nursing contexts were included. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed according to publication year, research design, educational content, applied technology, and outcome variables. Results: The number of VR-based nursing education studies has increased steadily since 2020, particularly after 2022. Educational contents mainly focused on core nursing skills, patient safety, medication administration, blood transfusion, respiratory care, infection control, and disaster nursing. Most studies reported significant improvements in clinical competency, problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. Positive effects were also observed in psychological and educational outcomes, including self-efficacy, learning immersion, performance confidence, and learning satisfaction. Conclusion: VR-based nursing education is an effective instructional strategy for enhancing adult nursing competencies by providing a safe and realistic learning environment. It is particularly valuable as a supplementary approach to traditional clinical practice. Future research should examine the long-term effects of VR-based education and its impact on actual clinical performance in adult nursing practice.