Background:
Expert modeling videos (EMVs) have shown promise in improving students’ performance in simulation. However, research evaluating the impact of EMVs is limited to major performance areas, lacking exploration into specific student competency behaviors.

Purpose:
This study evaluated the effect of an EMV intervention on undergraduate nursing students’ behavioral competencies as measured by the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (CCEI).

Methods:
Using a quasi-experimental pragmatic evaluation design, students in a medical surgical nursing course (n = 160) viewed either an expert model demonstration video (experimental) or expert model discussion video (control). Students’ behavioral competencies were measured and compared between groups using the CCEI.

Results:
Students who viewed an expert model demonstration video performed at a higher level of competency in 11 of the 18 CCEI behaviors.

Conclusion:
Using EMVs in nursing simulation may improve students’ ability to achieve clinical competency in nursing specific behaviors.