Using Simulation in a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Program.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Simulation with standardized patients is established in nursing education for health assessment skills.
• Evidence supports its utility in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs for psychosocial assessment.
• Current literature lacks standardized simulation processes within Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a standardized framework for integrating simulation with standardized patients into a PMHNP curriculum.
• To enhance advanced practice nursing students' psychosocial assessment and clinical readiness.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a simulation framework using standardized patients within a PMHNP program.
• Collection of student, faculty, and preceptor feedback on the simulation experience and its impact on clinical preparedness.

Main Results:

• Students reported high satisfaction and increased confidence in their readiness for clinical rotations.
• Faculty confirmed simulation ensures minimum competency standards before live patient encounters.
• Preceptors noted improved student preparedness and independence in clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• A standardized simulation framework effectively prepares PMHNP students for advanced clinical practice.
• Simulation enhances psychosocial assessment skills and promotes greater student autonomy.
• This approach ensures a consistent standard of competency for all students entering clinical rotations.