Background: The emotional experiences of nursing students are linked to learning outcomes. Peer learning is a key component of nursing education and simulation. However, little is known about the emotions of students in the context of peer learning. This study sought to provide an in-depth description of nursing students' emotional experiences when participating with another peer in a simulation activity.
Method: Data were obtained from a study of peer collaborative clinical decision making in simulation. All data related to emotions were extracted, summarized, and interpreted using thematic analytic techniques.
Results: Six themes were identified: (1) experiencing a multitude of emotions; (2) hiding emotions; (3) suppressing emotions; (4) revealing emotions; (5) perceiving peers' emotions; and (6) absorbing peers' emotions.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of peer emotion in collaborative simulation and renders important implications for nursing education. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(11):746-754.].