Using clinical simulations in geriatric nursing continuing education

Accompanying an increased number of older adults in the population is the need for knowledgeable and clinically competent nurses to provide care for this group, especially those experiencing sudden changes in health status. A continuing education program was designed to improve geriatric nursing competencies through the use of clinical simulations. Three-day nurse educator institutes and one-day workshops for registered and licensed practical nurses were offered to 312 nurses. The clinical simulations that were developed specifically focused on acute health events or conditions. Specific geriatric clinical competencies were also emphasized. Different types of clinical simulations included unfolding cases, use of a human patient simulator, and online case studies. Geriatric nursing knowledge significantly increased and clinical simulations were well-received. Clinical simulations involving the human patient simulator were highly rated. Clinical simulations are an excellent teaching strategy to help nurses increase knowledge and skill in caring for older adults.