Simulated learning environment experience in nursing students for paediatric practice.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Simulation
• Pediatric Care Training

Background:

• Health professional training necessitates safe and efficient clinical skill acquisition.
• Simulated learning environments (SLE) provide an effective alternative for clinical practice, especially when access is limited.
• Implementing SLE is crucial for developing essential skills in specialized fields like pediatric nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the implementation of pediatric clinical practice using SLE in a Chilean university.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SLE for pediatric nursing education.
• To assess student perception and skill development within a simulated pediatric care setting.

Main Methods:

• An eight-day simulation of a hospitalized infant's care experience using the nursing process.
• Inclusion of a multidisciplinary team: pediatrician, resident physician, nursing technician, and simulated user.
• Utilization of a simulation mannequin and equipment for realistic scenario replication.
• Group-based learning (six students per teacher) focusing on integral care, including child and family interaction.

Main Results:

• The study confirmed the feasibility of implementing pediatric clinical practice efficiently and safely through SLE.
• Students highly valued the SLE experience, reporting development of key pediatric nursing skills and abilities.
• The simulation methodology, viewed from a pedagogical perspective, proved effective in achieving learning objectives.

Conclusions:

• Simulated learning environments are a viable and valuable tool for pediatric nursing education.
• SLE enhances the acquisition of clinical skills in a controlled and safe setting.
• This approach effectively prepares future healthcare professionals for real-world pediatric patient care.