Reflections on a Simulation That Became Very Real.

As a newly appointed clinical skills technician, my understanding of the merits of simulation as a learning tool was limited. When given the opportunity to participate in a simulation created for final year nursing students, I was surprised by the intensity and realism of the experience. This reflective piece describes my perspective as a nonclinician, viewing students perform in a simulated emergency simulation. I describe the impact this had on me personally and the appreciation I now have for nursing students and the importance of my role in supporting their learning.