Experiences of Arab male nursing students during high fidelity maternity simulation training

Background: In Arab countries, many nursing schools rely heavily on simulation-based activities to provide experiential learning to male students with regard to maternal and child care; however, no study has been conducted to explore their experiences with such simulation training. Aim: To describe the experiences of male nursing students who were exposed to high-fidelity simulation training related to maternity and child care. Methods: Husserl's approach to phenomenology guided this study, through the use of a structured interview with 15 Arab male nursing students. A thematic analysis technique served as a framework for the data analysis. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed four essential themes: gained competency; compensation for missed clinical experience; overcoming of cultural or religious barriers; and challenges related to the use of simulation technologies. Conclusions: High-fidelity simulation can be a viable option to clinical training for enhancing Arab male nursing student competencies when providing maternal and child nursing care, which are often not available in the clinical area or are considered to be off limits due to cultural or religious reasons.