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Using Simulation to Assess Nurse Practitioner Education
Andrea Knopp1, Amy Graham, Sarah Stowell
1About the Authors The authors are faculty at James Madison University College of Nursing, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Andrea Knopp, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, is associate professor and associate director, Graduate Programs. Amy Graham, PhD, FNP-BC, is associate professor and interim coordinator, Nurse Practitioner Program. Sarah Stowell, AGNP-BC, WHNP, is an instructor. Carolynn Schubert, MLIS, is associate professor and director, Research & Education Services. For more information, contact Dr. Knopp at knoppaf@jmu.edu.
This pilot project explores innovative simulation strategies for advanced practice registered nurse education. It details using a competency-based framework and evaluation tools to enhance nurse practitioner student assessment and feedback.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Simulation-Based Learning
- Advanced Practice Registered Nursing
Background:
- Healthcare education faces resource limitations and a shift towards competency-based learning.
- Innovative simulation methods are needed for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) programs.
- Existing simulation best practices require adaptation for the APRN context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the opportunities and challenges of translating simulation best practices into APRN education.
- To pilot innovative simulation experiences using a competency-based framework.
- To develop and evaluate methods for providing feedback to nurse practitioner students.
Main Methods:
- Development of a competency-based framework for simulation.
- Creation of a competency-based evaluation tool for student assessment.
- Implementation of feedback mechanisms involving faculty and standardized patients.
Main Results:
- Identified key opportunities and challenges in adapting simulation for APRN training.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of a competency-based evaluation tool.
- Gathered insights on effective feedback delivery from faculty and standardized patients.
Conclusions:
- Lessons learned provide recommendations for designing effective instructional experiences in APRN programs.
- Formative feedback methods are crucial for nurse practitioner student assessment.
- Competency-based simulation offers a viable approach to enhance APRN education.
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