Change and administrative barriers: nurse educators' perceptions concerning the use of simulators

The purpose of this descriptive correlational research study was twofold: to examine the adoption of simulators in the nursing classroom and the relationship between adoption and nurse educators' perceptions of established change strategies as followed by program administrators.

The use of simulators in education is important and requires many nurse educators to change their current teaching strategies.

Data were collected from a purposive population using a demographic questionnaire, the nursing practice questionnaire (NPQ), and the change process survey.

The overall diffusion score, as measured by the NPQ, was 2.6. A statistically significant correlation was noted between level of use and the perception of established change strategies being followed (r = .340, p < .01).

Findings indicate that nurse educators adopt simulators sometimes when appropriate. Administrators of nursing programs can enhance this change by using established change strategies.