Psychological safety in simulation: Perspectives of nursing students and faculty

As simulation education continues to grow, more consideration has been given to creating and maintaining a psychologically safe simulation learning environment. It is known that failing to provide psychological safety can lead to feelings of incompetence and a lack of confidence with students. However, it is essential to understand what makes and maintains psychological safety in simulation from both student and facilitator's perspectives. In further understanding psychological safety, nursing educators can challenge students to think beyond that of task attainment and into the deeper realm of critical thinking and critical reflection.

The aim of this study was to understand students' and facilitators perspectives of psychological safety in simulation.

Participants in this qualitative interpretive description study were seven students and four faculty that were chosen using convenience sampling. The data was collected over a 2-week period where semi-structured interviews were used to collect the participants perspectives. Data analysis was continuous and iterative and used inductive analysis.

There were two student themes which focused on the student-facilitator interaction: 1) dynamic interaction, 2) student self-efficacy. The facilitators results showed two themes which focused on 1) simulation design and 2) trust.

Diverging thoughts are present between faculty and students in what constitutes psychological safety. In describing both the similarities and differences, we have a better understanding on how to create and maintain psychological safety thereby, providing students with the best learning experience possible.