High-Fidelity Simulation in Nursing Education: Perspectives of Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Research Proposal

Abstract

<p>Undergraduate nursing education programs are facing increased enrollment, faculty shortages, and a decrease in the availability of clinical sites. Faculty members in these programs must find new and innovative strategies to ensure students are prepared for the challenges of providing care for more complex patients, many of whom have chronic multisystem disorders. This proposed study will examine student perceptions of how simulation can be used in undergraduate nursing education. Information from this study may guide future implementation of simulation in order to improve undergraduate nursing education curricula. This study will take place at a College of Nursing in the Midwestern United States which has embraced the use of simulation as a core component of the curriculum for undergraduate nursing education. A grounded theory approach will be used for the study. Data will be collected from interviews of junior and senior students who have recently completed or are in the process of completing a course which uses simulation to teach clinical and critical thinking skills. Data will be analyzed to determine central concepts based on student perceptions. These central concepts will be used to develop strategies for future use of simulation technology. This study might benefit administration and faculty members of undergraduate nursing programs as they strive to create new strategies to improve nursing education with a focus on using clinical simulation in the classroom. Potential teaching and learning strategies implemented with information from this study might benefit current and future nursing students by providing them with a safe environment to practice clinical skills, critical thinking, and communication within the multidisciplinary health care team. Patients will potentially benefit from the care given by nurses with improved skills and experience with providing care using modern technology and techniques of nursing.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>