Development and Implementation of Unfolding Pediatric Simulations.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Pediatric Healthcare
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Limited inpatient pediatric clinical placements pose challenges for undergraduate nursing students.
• Increasing restrictions in patient care and disease pattern variations impact pediatric clinical learning.
• Unfolding simulation scenarios were developed to address these challenges in undergraduate pediatric rotations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement unfolding pediatric simulations.
• To replace traditional clinical hours and standardize pediatric clinical experiences.
• To provide consistent exposure to common pediatric conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature search for top pediatric admitting diagnoses.
• Development and implementation of five unfolding pediatric simulation scenarios.
• Replacement of traditional clinical hours with simulation-based learning.

Main Results:

• 36.5% of traditional clinical hours were replaced by simulations over two years.
• Student clinical readiness indicators showed improvements in critical thinking.
• Preparedness of students for pediatric clinical practice increased.

Conclusions:

• Unfolding pediatric clinical simulations serve as an effective alternative to traditional clinical placements.
• Simulations ensure consistent exposure to prevalent pediatric conditions.
• This approach enhances nursing students' readiness for pediatric care.