Using Simulation to Prepare Nursing Students for Professional Roles.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Simulation in Healthcare

Background:

• The nursing job market presents challenges, with changing availability of entry-level positions despite projected future shortages.
• Preparing senior nursing students for competitive job markets is crucial for successful professional role transition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of simulated role-play in preparing senior nursing students for job interviews.
• To assess student and interviewer perceptions of a simulated interview experience.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study involving 66 senior nursing students.
• Utilized a simulation laboratory designed as a human resource department for role-play interviews.
• Collected data through surveys for students and interviewers, including qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

• The majority of students reported high satisfaction, improved understanding of interviews, and increased readiness.
• Qualitative analysis revealed themes of nervousness, confidence, and readiness among students.
• Interviewers noted student nervousness and recognized the benefits of simulated interview practice.

Conclusions:

• Simulated role-play interviews are a positive and effective learning outcome for nursing students.
• This simulation method aids in promoting professional role transition for nursing graduates.
• The program shows potential for future implementation and expansion to graduate-level students.