Developing computer simulations for staff nurse education.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Instructional Design
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Continuing education for nurses requires effective and individualized learning methods.
• Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) offers potential for personalized educational experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To train staff nurse educators in applying instructional design principles.
• To enable educators to develop clinical nursing simulations using CAI.

Main Methods:

• A 15-hour intensive workshop was conducted for staff nurse educators.
• Participants were instructed on instructional design principles for simulation development.
• The workshop included programming and initial field testing of simulations.

Main Results:

• Participants successfully applied instructional design principles.
• Educators developed and programmed their own clinical nursing simulations.
• The initial phase of field testing was initiated by participants.

Conclusions:

• Staff nurse educators can be effectively trained to create CAI-based clinical nursing simulations.
• This approach empowers educators to develop tailored continuing education content.
• The workshop model facilitates the creation and initial validation of educational tools.