Background The mental state examination (MSE) is a collection of observations made during an initial nursing interview. A mnemonic, I AM A STAR, was developed as an aide-memoire for nursing students to recall the components of the MSE.

Aim To evaluate the use of role play simulation to teach mental health nursing students the components of the MSE.

Method Role play simulation was carried out by groups of students who enacted a patient’s signs and symptoms of psychosis, bipolar affective disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. The remaining students conducted a nursing assessment. The students who were observing considered the components of the I AM A STAR framework.

Findings There was some resistance initially from the students in engaging in role play, but the evaluation suggests most students enjoyed the session and found that role play benefited their learning and confidence in applying the MSE in practice.

Conclusion Role play simulation can improve the confidence of nursing students and help to enhance their knowledge and skills by applying theory to practice.