In Brief:
Grounded theory was used to reveal the basic social psychological problem, caring as a professional nurse, and core category, Linking, of high-stakes clinical simulation for thirty nursing students enrolled in generic BSN program. Linking is the four stage process of managing sim-hype, Encountering Barriers, Integrating-the-self, and Interconnecting. The relationship between Linking and Transitions is presented along with implications for nursing education. www.advancesinnursingscience.com