Nursing education is facing challenging demands today with the NextGen NCLEX scheduled for release in Spring 2023, updated American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, and distance learning due to COVID-19. This dissertation examines the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on nursing students as education was disrupted just prior to graduation and entering the nursing field. Hands-on learning took a new approach using virtual simulation to supplement the education of many nursing students sent home from college during the emergence of COVID-19. In this dissertation, research will examine how virtual simulation may have enhanced critical thinking of the novice nurse to increase patient care performance. Participants included five BSN students actively working as registered nurses in various states and acute care settings one year post graduation. Participants offered insight on how virtual simulation impacted their confidence to care for patients in various healthcare situations. Participants will also describe how the novice nurse applied critical thinking developed in simulation to real-life situations as a registered nurse. Data was gathered through open ended, semi-structured interviews remotely using Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions and participant locations. Two main themes emerged with several subthemes: (1) virtual simulation in nursing education during a pandemic, (1a.) nurse educator preparedness, (2) increasing nurse confidence with virtual simulation in critical thinking development, (2a.) increasing educational opportunities, and (2b.) defining critical thinking. The findings add to current literature on nursing education and the use of virtual simulation in preparing the student nurse to enter the workforce. Lastly, important implications for further future research are emphasized. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]