First Contact With Care Through Clinical Simulation in Nursing Students: Qualitative Study.

Background: Clinical simulation with standardized patients provides nursing students with their first approach to care in a safe and realistic environment. This type of experience arouses intense emotions and supports the development of key competencies. Objective: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of nursing students during their first contact with care through simulation experiences with standardized patients. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study using focus groups and reflective narratives with a sample of 59 students. A thematic analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti (version 24; Scientific Software Development GmbH). Results: Three thematic blocks, along with their categories and subcategories, were identified: (T1) first contact with simulation, (T2) learning and competencies, and (T3) preparation for clinical practice. Conclusions: Clinical simulation has a profound impact on nursing education by offering a safe and realistic environment in which to learn from experience. Emotions, teamwork, and human interaction enrich learning and strengthen professional identity. This approach supports the integration of technical knowledge and relational skills. The results support the inclusion of active and humanized methodologies in training plans.