High-Fidelity Simulation for Senior Maternity Nursing Students.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Traditional clinical instruction is a cornerstone of nursing education.
• Assessing the impact of novel pedagogical approaches is crucial for enhancing nursing curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) as a supplement to traditional clinicals in a baccalaureate nursing program.
• To determine if HFS improves practical learning, critical thinking, and NCLEX performance potential.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing senior nursing students who received HFS alongside traditional clinicals versus those who received only traditional clinicals.
• Utilized Bandura's theory of self-efficacy as a guiding framework.
• Analyzed data from 132 simulation students and 147 nonsimulation students.

Main Results:

• Students in the HFS group demonstrated significantly higher scores in practical learning compared to the control group.
• Critical thinking skills were notably enhanced in the HFS cohort.
• NCLEX performance potential showed significant improvement among students exposed to HFS.

Conclusions:

• High-fidelity simulation is an effective adjunct to traditional clinical instruction in senior maternity nursing programs.
• HFS positively impacts key areas of nursing competency, including practical skills and critical thinking.
• Incorporating HFS can contribute to developing more competent and clinically prepared nurses.