Development of Formative Capstone Simulations to Prepare Novice Students for Initial Clinical Practicum.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Simulation-Based Learning
• Clinical Skills Development

Background:

• Initial clinical experiences often induce significant anxiety in nursing students.
• This anxiety can negatively impact performance and increase patient safety risks.
• Limited strategies exist in nursing education to mitigate clinical anxiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of formative capstone simulation scenarios.
• To provide novice nursing students with a preparatory experience before their first clinical practicum.
• To integrate key nursing competencies within a simulated environment.

Main Methods:

• A 4-year baccalaureate nursing program faculty developed formative capstone simulation scenarios.
• Standardized patients were utilized to simulate clinical situations.
• Scenarios integrated therapeutic communication, patient care skills, and clinical reasoning.

Main Results:

• Anecdotal feedback from both students and faculty regarding the simulation scenarios was positive.
• The formative capstone simulations were well-received by novice nursing students.

Conclusions:

• Formative capstone simulation scenarios provide a well-received method for preparing students for clinical practice.
• Further research is recommended to quantitatively assess the impact of these simulations on student anxiety.
• Simulation offers a promising avenue for enhancing nursing student readiness and confidence.