Nursing students' perceptions of the use of clinical simulation in biosafety education.

OBJECTIVE: To understand nursing students' perceptions of the use of clinical simulation in biosafety education. METHOD: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study conducted in 2023 based on the implementation of clinical simulation for biosafety learning. Participants were 26 students enrolled in the "Fundamentals of Nursing" course of an undergraduate nursing program at a federal university in southern Brazil. Data were analyzed using IRAMUTEQ® software. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: (1) Emotional regulation for interaction and communication with patients and families, highlighting feelings of anxiety and the need for emotional regulation during the application of standard precautions; (2) Contributions of simulation to learning biosafety practices, emphasizing a better understanding of the use of personal protective equipment, risk perception, and the integration of theory and practice; and (3) Strengths and weaknesses perceived by students regarding their performance, including self-assessment, recognition of technical limitations, and strengthened teamwork. CONCLUSION: Clinical simulation was perceived as a strategy that promotes learning of biosafety practices by integrating technical, emotional, and communication-related aspects, thereby contributing to safer and more reflective professional education.