Simulation Utilized for Mentoring and Measuring Integrative Thinking: A Model for Advanced Practice Nurse Competence...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Advanced Practice Nursing

Background:

• Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) education requires robust evaluation of clinical decision-making.
• Traditional assessment methods may not fully capture the nuances of complex clinical reasoning.
• Virtual simulation offers a promising avenue for realistic and objective competency assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the Simulation Utilized for Mentoring and Measuring Integrative Thinking (SUMMIT) to practice model.
• To assess the clinical decision-making competencies of APN students using virtual simulation.
• To provide a framework for faculty mentoring based on objective competency assessment.

Main Methods:

• APN students participated in a virtual simulation of an unfolding patient encounter during grand rounds.
• Competencies were assessed based on the application of evidence-based rationales for diagnosis, diagnostics, interpretation, and care planning.
• The SUMMIT model utilized an objective, competency-based rubric and provided concurrent feedback.

Main Results:

• The virtual simulation provided clear details of students' clinical reasoning and communication skills.
• Assessment revealed the effectiveness of diagnosis-focused care plans, patient safety considerations, and educational strategies.
• The model identified specific areas of competency needing faculty mentoring.

Conclusions:

• The SUMMIT to practice model effectively assesses APN students' clinical decision-making competencies through virtual simulation.
• Objective rubrics and concurrent feedback within the model facilitate targeted faculty mentoring.
• Virtual simulation is a valuable tool for enhancing APN education and competency development.