Abstract: Objective To explore the application effect of situational games in the development of critical thinking ability and clinical practice ability of nursing undergraduates. Methods A total of 108 full-time nursing students who practiced in department of breast and thyroid surgery in a tertiary grade-A hospital from August 2020 to June 2021 were selected as the research objects. Nursing undergraduates randomly assigned to the first area of ward of breast and thyroid surgery were involved as control group and those to the second area of ward as the observation group, with 54 cases in each group. Conventional practical teaching was implemented in the control group, and integrated situational game teaching together with conventional practical teaching in the observation group. Critical thinking ability, clinical practice ability and satisfaction with the teaching of the two groups were compared. Results The score of critical thinking ability, clinical practice ability and satisfaction with the teaching in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, showing statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion By giving full play to students' subjective initiative and enthusiasm, situational games are effective for improving nursing undergraduates' critical thinking ability and clinical practice ability through integrating theoretical knowledge, operational skills and nursing clinical practice and students are satisfied with the teaching for it is novel and interesting and it is worthy to be popularized in clinical teaching.

Key words: nursing undergraduate, situational game, critical thinking ability, clinical practice ability