French nursing students are now finding their video gaming experience is reaping benefits for their professional training.

Virtual reality - or VR - is becoming an increasingly common tool in nursing colleges.

The program adopted by this college in Paris, France, enables nurses to hone their skills more swiftly compared with what might be achieved in a physical hospital. Donning a headset, the student is fully immersed in what appears as an authentic hospital environment.

VR generates innovative opportunities for trainee nurses to benefit from hands-on experience caring for "virtual" patients. Seated at a computer screen, the student nurses navigate their way around a hospital room and ask the patient questions - just as if they were real people.

According to the nurses themselves, the simulation proves highly realistic. The approach creates the impression of them being alone with a patient, as will be the case once they are qualified.

Not only an invaluable learning tool, it's also adept at evaluating the skills which students are developing.