Preparing Nursing Students for Obstetric Emergencies: Effects of High-Fidelity Simulation on Knowledge, Confidence and Learning

Abstract

Background: Emergency obstetric situations require rapid clinical decision-making, technical competence, and emotional preparedness to ensure safe and compassionate care for both mother and newborn. However, nursing students often have limited opportunities to experience such high-risk, low-frequency events during clinical placements. Simulation-based education has emerged as an effective strategy to prepare future nurses for caring in emergency contexts, allowing them to develop both technical and non-technical skills in a safe learning environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a high-fidelity obstetric emergency simulation program on nursing students’ knowledge, perceived safety, and learning experience. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest assessment without a control group and qualitative analysis of open-ended reflections. Eighty-two third-year nursing students participated in two simulation sessions addressing obstetric emergencies such as breech birth, shoulder dystocia, out-of-hospital delivery, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal cardiac arrest. Data were collected using validated instruments measuring knowledge, perceived safety, and satisfaction and self-confidence in learning, and were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and thematic analysis. Results: Significant improvements were observed in specific knowledge areas related to complex obstetric maneuvers and in their perceived safety when managing emergency situations (p < 0.001, r > 0.40). Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and confidence in learning. Qualitative findings highlighted increased emotional preparedness, improved clinical reasoning, and recognition of the importance of teamwork and reflective debriefing in emergency care contexts. Conclusions: High-fidelity simulation appears to be an effective educational strategy for preparing nursing students to provide safe and confident care in obstetric emergencies. Integrating simulation into nursing curricula can strengthen both technical competence and the emotional readiness required for caring in urgent and high-pressure clinical situations.