Action competence: A concept analysis.

Objective: The aim of this article is to analyze the concept of action competence and comprise a definition of the concept suitable to apply to virtual simulation in nursing education.

Background: Virtual simulation has become an instructional method increasingly used in nursing education which creates a challenge for assessment of clinical competence.

Methods: This concept analysis was performed using Walker and Avant's eight stages of concept analysis. Methods: A literature search was conducted using search engines and included peer-reviewed articles from various disciplines.

Results: The concept analysis resulted in an operational definition of action competence that is useful in nursing education.

Conclusions: The use of action competence during virtual simulation sessions provides a means for knowledge transfer, accountability of actions on the part of the students, self-awareness, and reflection. Through this process, students gain critical problem-solving skills that, through sustainability, can be applied to varying future patient scenarios. Action competence contains concrete components applicable to sustainability of knowledge gained by nursing students during virtual simulation.