VNursLab 3D Simulator: A Web-Based Nursing Skills Simulation of Knowledge of Nursing Skill, Satisfaction, and Self-Confidence among Nursing Students

The use of technology-based learning methods in nursing education is necessary in the era of digitalization, but these methods are limited, especially in developing countries, including Indonesia. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Virtual Nursing Skills Simulation Lab (VNursLab), a web-based nursing skills simulation using 3D technology, to improve the knowledge of nursing skills for intravenous catheterization, satisfaction, and self-confidence of nursing students in Indonesia. A quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 139 nursing students participated and were divided into intervention and control groups (69 and 70 participants, respectively). The intervention group had access to the VNursLab 3D simulator for three weeks and had three meetings. The control group had traditional learning (lecture and three meetings). The data were analyzed using the paired t -test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann–Whitney U test. The means and standard deviations of the post-test values in the two groups for the three parameters were 12.26 + 4.11 vs. 9.67 + 3.13 for nursing skill knowledge, 23.00 + 2.32 vs. 21.70 + 2.68 for satisfaction, and 36.25 + 3.48 vs. 34.96 + 3.39 for self-confidence. We found significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding knowledge of nursing skills ( p < 0.001), satisfaction ( p < 0.001), and self-confidence ( p = 0.014). The VNursLab 3D simulator could be an alternative learning medium to improve nursing students’ understanding of nursing skills, satisfaction, and self-confidence. However, this medium cannot replace direct practical experience. A combination of the two learning methods, virtual-based learning and hands-on practical learning, is beneficial in helping nursing students achieve nursing competencies.