High-fidelity simulation: factors correlated with nursing student satisfaction and self-confidence.

While available research suggests positive outcomes when using high-fidelity simulation in nursing education, little is known about factors associated with these outcomes. This descriptive, correlational study examined the effects of a simulation experience on two outcomes (student satisfaction and self-confidence) as well as factors correlating with these outcomes. This was accomplished by both descriptive statistical analysis (mean and standard deviation) in addition to correlational statistical analysis using bivariate statistics (Spearman's rho) and multiple linear regression. Results indicate that design characteristics, especially clear objectives and an appropriately challenging problem to solve, were significantly correlated with student satisfaction and self-confidence.