An obstetric simulation experience in an undergraduate nursing curriculum

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Educators struggle to present didactic information creatively, fostering critical thinking.
• High patient acuity and nursing shortages necessitate rapid integration of knowledge into clinical judgment.
• Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is crucial for nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of human simulation as a creative teaching strategy in undergraduate nursing education.
• To demonstrate the use of a specific human birthing simulator (Noelle) for practical skill development.
• To explore how simulation facilitates the transference of didactic knowledge into clinical judgment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a human birthing simulator, Noelle, within an undergraduate nursing program curriculum.
• Implemented simulation as a teaching modality to replicate real-life clinical scenarios.
• Focused on allowing nursing students to practice their roles in a safe, controlled environment.

Main Results:

• Human simulation provides a creative avenue for applying textbook knowledge to practical situations.
• Students can practice clinical skills and decision-making without risk to actual patients.
• The use of Noelle demonstrated an effective method for enhancing nursing students' clinical judgment.

Conclusions:

• Human simulation is a valuable and effective teaching strategy in nursing education.
• Simulators like Noelle facilitate the development of critical thinking and clinical judgment.
• Simulation allows for safe, real-world application of nursing knowledge, addressing educational and workforce challenges.