Experiential Learning in Nursing: Enhancing Practical Skills and Professional Competence

Authors

Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Kumar Ray
Professor & Principal Department of Community Health Nursing ,Bharati Vidyapeeth (DU) College of Nursing, Sangli

Keywords:

Experiential Learning, Nursing Education, Practical Skills, Professional Competence, Clinical Learning, Hands-on Learning, Clinical Practice, Simulation-Based Learning, Skill Development, Critical Thinking, Clinical Decision-Making, Patient Care, Nursing Students, Experiential Teaching, Learning Outcomes, Professional Development, Clinical Competency, Evidence-Based Practice, Reflective Learning, Active Learning

Synopsis

Abstract

Experiential learning in nursing education is an effective approach that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world clinical practice. It provides nursing students with opportunities to learn through direct experience, observation, practice, reflection, and problem-solving. Activities such as clinical practice, simulation, case studies, role play, demonstrations, and community-based learning help students develop practical skills and professional competence. Experiential learning also strengthens critical thinking, clinical decision-making, communication, teamwork, confidence, and patient-care abilities. By actively participating in meaningful learning experiences, students can better understand theoretical concepts and apply them safely in clinical situations. Therefore, integrating experiential learning into nursing education can enhance learning outcomes, improve clinical competency, and prepare nursing students for effective and professional practice.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Kumar Ray, Professor & Principal Department of Community Health Nursing ,Bharati Vidyapeeth (DU) College of Nursing, Sangli

Department of Community Health Nursing ,Bharati Vidyapeeth (DU) College of Nursing, Sangli

References

References

1. Adewuyi, M., Morales, K., & Lindsey, A. (2022). Impact of experiential dementia care learning on knowledge, skills and attitudes of nursing students: A systematic literature review. Nurse Education in Practice, 62, 103351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103351

2. Cant, R. P., & Cooper, S. J. (2017). The value of simulation-based learning in pre-licensure nurse education: A state-of-the-art review and meta-analysis. Nurse Education in Practice, 27, 45–52.

3. Lei, Y.-Y., Zhu, L., Ren, Y. T., & Cui, X.-S. (2022). Effects of high-fidelity simulation teaching on nursing students’ knowledge, professional skills and clinical ability: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Nurse Education in Practice, 60, 103306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103306

4. Hung, K., Santana, C., Johnson, C. T., Owen, N., & Hessels, A. J. (2024). Effectiveness of in-situ simulation on clinical competence for nurses: A systematic review. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 87, 101502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101502

5. Amin, S. M., Alasqah, I., Hamash, K. I., Almagharbeh, W. T., El-Sayed, A. A. I., Alqarawi, N., & Ruksakulpiwat, S. (2026). Bridging theory and practice: A systematic review of simulation-based education in nursing. Nurse Education in Practice, 93, 104820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2026.104820

6. Zhao, L., Yan, H., Liu, L., Zhou, R., Yang, Y., Li, K., Wan, F., & Li, Y. (2026). Effect of desktop virtual patient simulation on clinical reasoning skills of nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nurse Education in Practice, 93, 104822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2026.104822

7. Rourke, S. (2020). How does virtual reality simulation compare to simulated practice in the acquisition of clinical psychomotor skills for pre-registration student nurses? A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 102, 103466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103466

8. Alaklabi, A., Alharbi, A., McFeely, C., Mullen, R., & Miller, W. (2025). Exploring the impact of simulation-based learning on the acquisition of psychomotor skills, knowledge, retention, satisfaction and confidence in teaching urinary catheterization in nursing education: Systematic review. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 109, 101851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2025.101851

9. Impact of simulation design elements on undergraduate nursing education: A systematic review. (2024). Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 89, 101519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2024.101519

10. Outcomes of scenario-based simulation courses in nursing education: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2024). Nurse Education Today, 136, 106145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106145

Downloads

Published

September 8, 2026

Details about this monograph

ISBN-13 (15)

978-81-180067-4-9

How to Cite

Experiential Learning in Nursing: Enhancing Practical Skills and Professional Competence. (2026). RK PUBLICATION. https://doi.org/10.66625/rkph.2026.0020