Leadership Development Through Peer-Facilitated Simulation in Nursing Education

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Baccalaureate nursing graduates require leadership skills, but clinical opportunities for development are limited.
• Peer-facilitated learning and human patient simulation can enhance leadership competencies.
• Key leadership skills include competence, self-confidence, self-reflection, and role modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of peer-facilitated simulation on leadership skill development in baccalaureate nursing students.
• To assess student satisfaction with a novel simulation-based leadership training approach.

Main Methods:

• Senior baccalaureate nursing students led simulation experiences for junior peers under faculty supervision.
• Students conducted debriefings following simulation activities.
• Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to evaluate student satisfaction and leadership role inclination.

Main Results:

• Students reported high satisfaction with the peer-facilitated simulation experience.
• Participants expressed increased confidence in mastering content and developing essential clinical skills.
• The experience positively influenced students' desire to assume leadership roles.

Conclusions:

• Peer-facilitated simulation is an effective strategy for leadership development in nursing students.
• This teaching innovation can inform nursing curricula to better cultivate leadership abilities.
• Integrating simulation-based learning enhances practical skill acquisition and leadership potential.