Abstract:

Clinical sites for nursing students is becoming more and more difficult to ascertain. As a result many universities and colleges of nursing are turning to simulation as an alternative teaching tool to support clinical learning. However, there are concerns that simulations may not be a suitable experience in which to educate students. There is little empirical support for the effect of simulation on outcomes. This presentation will highlight a descriptive study designed to explore students' perceptions of the simulation experience. The setting for the study was a regional campus of a large Midwestern Research 2 university. The convenience sample consisted of 199 participants nursing students enrolled in the baccalaureate nursing program at three different educational levels. The results of this study revealed that simulations can be a useful tool for students in enhancing both learning and self-confidence. However, there are differences between entry level students and senior level students' levels of satisfaction and self-confidence.

Keywords:

Simulation, Nursing education, Live patient actors, Patient simulation, Teaching methods, High fidelity simulators.