Nursing journal, Vol. 31 No. 1, 2026.
Stručni rad
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.31.1.8
Linking Theory and Practice in Nursing Care Through Virtual Tools
Marko Maceković
; Medicinska škola Osijek, Vukovarska cesta 209, 31 000 Osijek, Hrvatska
*
Ivana Hardi
; Medicinska škola Osijek, Vukovarska cesta 209, 31 000 Osijek, Hrvatska
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Contemporary nursing education faces the challenge of effectively integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills, particularly in the context of rapid technological development and the increasingly complex demands of the healthcare system. Digital technologies and virtual tools are being increasingly used in the educational process to support the development of professional competencies and to better prepare pupils and students for clinical practice. This paper presents the role, possibilities, and limitations of using virtual tools in bridging theory and practice in nursing education. The paper is conceived as a professional article based on an analysis of relevant national and international scientific and professional literature, as well as examples of good practice in the application of digital, simulation, and virtual technologies in nursing education. Various forms of virtual tools are analyzed, including virtual and augmented reality, simulation technologies, and the Human Patient Simulator, with emphasis on their pedagogical effects, their contribution to the development of clinical reasoning, and the challenges associated with their implementation. In conclusion, virtual tools represent a valuable addition to nursing education; however, their effectiveness depends on thoughtful pedagogical integration, availability of resources, and the level of digital competencies of educators. Their planned and balanced use, as a complement to clinical teaching, can contribute to a stronger integration of theory and practice, and better prepare pupils and students for the demands of contemporary clinical practice.
Ključne riječi
digital technologies; nursing education; simulation; virtual tools; nursing care
Hrčak ID:
346144
URI
Datum izdavanja:
13.4.2026.
Posjeta: 276 *