Evaluating best educational practices, student satisfaction, and self-confidence in simulation: A descriptive study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Pedagogy

Background:

• The National League for Nursing (NLN) endorses simulation for nursing education.
• Concerns exist regarding the effectiveness and empirical support for simulation in preparing nursing students.
• Most studies rely on anecdotal evidence rather than quantitative data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nursing students' perceptions of best educational practices in simulation.
• To evaluate student satisfaction with simulation experiences.
• To measure changes in student self-confidence following simulation.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed over two years.
• Utilized the Jeffries framework for designing simulation scenarios.
• Included serial patient simulations with high/medium fidelity simulators and live actors for 199 baccalaureate nursing students.

Main Results:

• Serial simulation strongly supports its use as an educational tool.
• Students reported high satisfaction and confidence in their simulation performance.
• Participants perceived simulations as educationally sound and crucial for learning.

Conclusions:

• Repeated exposure to serial simulations is a valuable clinical teaching method.
• Well-executed simulations enhance student satisfaction and self-confidence.
• Simulation is beneficial for preparing students for professional nursing practice.