Using online exercises and patient simulation to improve students' clinical decision-making

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Judgment
• Cognitive Strategies

Background:

• Nurses require strong clinical judgment for complex patient care.
• A significant gap exists in new graduate nurses' critical thinking skills.
• Developing cognitive strategies is crucial for reducing clinical decision-making errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an educational assignment designed to enhance critical thinking in nursing students.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of online learning and high-fidelity simulation in improving clinical decision-making analysis.

Main Methods:

• A novel assignment was implemented for third-year baccalaureate nursing students.
• The assignment integrated online learning modules with high-fidelity patient simulation.
• Student learning involved discussions with peers and instructors, alongside personal reflection.

Main Results:

• Students gained insight into their critical thinking processes.
• The assignment facilitated identification of both effective and flawed clinical decisions.
• Students developed a better understanding of their reasoning in clinical problem-solving.

Conclusions:

• This educational approach effectively promotes self-awareness of critical thinking in nursing students.
• Integrating simulation and online learning can enhance the development of clinical judgment.
• Nurse educators can utilize such activities to bridge the gap in new graduates' critical thinking skills.