Use of simulation training in the intensive care unit

With increased patient acuity, nurse educators are faced with the challenge of providing ongoing education and ensuring nurse competency. High-fidelity simulation is an effective teaching modality that can meet the diverse needs of critical care nurses with various backgrounds and levels of experience. The Institute of Medicine recommends the use of simulation and simulators as a best practice tool for an instructional method in healthcare. There is documented support for the integration of simulation in nursing continuing education. Organizations such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, American College of Surgeons, American Council for Graduate Medical Education, National League for Nursing, American Nursing Association, and American Association of Critical Care Nurses have provided support and encouragement for the use of innovative teaching modalities to create enhanced learning. Along with enhanced learning, simulation plays a role in improving patient safety, recruitment and retention strategies, and addressing quality and risk-management concerns. This article will focus on high-fidelity simulation as it relates to clinical education and nurse competency in the intensive care unit.