Image in nursing and simulation

Introduction: professional image is a relevant aspect in the profile of any graduate due to its external impact on society. It is projected to others based on physical aspects and consolidated with what others perceive and interpret from every action. This article describes the contributions that clinical simulation offers to the professional image of students at the University Institute of the Italian Hospital. Method: the study was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective one. Results: of the 90 surveyed students, 39,78 % responded that clinical simulation provided them with skills, 38,67 % reported that it provided them with security, 12,71 % reported that it improved their professional identity, and 8,84 % said that it helped them with communication. The factor that contributed the most to the formation of professional identity was the execution of techniques in the simulation center, with 69,03 %. Conclusion: it was possible to identify in the student body that clinical simulation provided them with skills, security, and a clearer professional identity. On the other hand, students considered that the use of a complete uniform in clinical simulations contributed to the construction of their professional image, as it produced attitudinal changes that influence their dress and are subsequently projected in their image.