Nursing Students’ Experiences in Clinical Simulation at the End of Life: A Look at the Professional and Family Role

Background: Communication with patients and families at the end of life is key to quality care, allowing for informed decisions and emotional support. This study explores the experience of nursing students in clinical simulations, analyzing their emotions, perceptions of the family role, the impact on their communication skills, and their reflection on the role of nursing in these contexts. Methods: This study was conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences of UNIE University, Spain, with 44 first-year students enrolled in the Fundamentals of Psychology in Health Sciences course. Data were collected through focus groups and reflective narratives with open-ended questions between January and February 2025. Following data collection, transcripts were generated and subjected to a thematic analysis following the COREQ checklist. Results: Five thematic blocks and their categories were identified: (T1) Family as a pillar of care; (T2) Relationship with the family; (T3) Communication as a therapeutic tool; (T4) Emerging emotions; (T5) Learning through simulation. Conclusions: The family is a fundamental pillar at the end of life, providing emotional and practical support to the patient and the care team. Communication is key to building trust and facilitating acceptance of the process. Students experience diverse emotions that reflect the complexity of the accompaniment. Simulation at the end of life allows nursing students to develop communication skills, reflect on their professional role, and manage complex emotions.